Nanny Unexpected Time Off

[NikkiJacobi]

Hello! I'm in a bind! My nanny unexpectedly asked me today Friday that she'll be taking the time off on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday because she'll be going home to attend her niece's birthday. I feel this is so unfair to me because I have work on Monday and Tuesday and no one else can look after my toddler. She is a very good nanny to my toddler, and it pains me to say "no". I don't want her to quit because of this. However, my job would be compromised if I say "yes". Plus it was on a short notice! What should I do? How should I approach this? Thanks for your help.

What does it say in your contract with her about such time off?

Such short notice is obviously not appropriate, and you're within your rights to refuse. What will you do if she just goes anyway? You'll need an emergency nanny, same as if she called in sick.

This should be seen as any employment, what does the contract say, how far in advance does she have to request time off?

Not on for the nanny to do that. They should give notice of holiday requests.

However if you deny their request then they may go anyway and call in sick. So what is your backup plan for covering nanny sickness?

This is unusual behaviour. I have never heard of a nanny asking for days of at such short notice. Only funerals are short notice.
Do you employ your nanny?
What does the contract say? Mine is 3 months notice for holiday.
Just say no. If she then goes off sick i would start disciplinary proceedure.
You might need a back up plan incase this happens.

Surely she knows when her nieces bday is. She should have asked you ages ago

What does contract say about holiday

What would happen if nanny calls in sick

It's no wonder parents worry about using nannies.

That is such short notice. I would never ask for time off that close. I once asked for a day off 8 days in advance but I made it absolutely clear that it was fine for them to say no. They let me have it off which was lovely. I try to give as much notice as possible.