How to tell the children I'm leaving?

[OnewayoranotherIwill]

I'm leaving my current nanny position in June and have been told by my employers that I need to tell the children myself. I suggested they be present too but they feel it would be too formal. I look after 2 pre school children and would appreciate any advice or helpful tips from other parents or nannies. I have a great relationship with the children and want to make the transition to a new nanny as easy as possible on everyone.

I would wait another two weeks...

Then ideally spend two weeks with the new nanny, all bonding together and having fun, the children seeing that the new nanny is accepted by you

Thanks for the advice, we will have an overlap of 2 weeks which is great.

I think it's a little odd they are insisting you do this. presumably they are saying something too?

A 2 week overlap is a long time - they may not want the new nanny If you are there

A day should be enough

Why are you leaving ? To go to another nanny job?

Simply say that if that's the case but that you will still see them every now and again - if you will

I'm sure they will talk to them afterwards, they just don't want to be the ones telling them.

Leaving for a different job in the Childcare sector. I personally think 2 weeks is too long however that's what the parents want. I'll just try and take a step back when were both there and busy myself with household chores and cooking. Although I will show her around the area and play some games altogether too.

Show her the local activities / groups you attend, thibgs they enjoy, like to do...

Be as busy as u can away from the children, cooking, household chores is a good idea, let her play / interact / bond with them in a different room

I'd say something along the lines of "there are other children that really need me. I look after little children. 'x' looks after big boys and girls who are 3 and 4 (or whatever), and you're going to have so much fun with her". They're too young to understand, just soften the blow!

Make a special book with dates, and have pictures of who's going to be there and what you're doing.

Eg mon-fri this week photos of you, kids and parents, sat-sun kids are parents, then add in a photo of new nanny, then take out your photo on the date you leave. It might help them understand the transition.

I would advise you to tell them asap. I am a nanny and have seen first hand the effect of a rushed handover. tell them now and let them ask you any questions, this gives you a couple of weeks with them for the news to settle in. If you wait until just before the new nanny transitions then they have so much going on and may not get the chance to openly ask you questions. Good luck :)