My current nanny has been with us since I went back to work after DD1. She is just starting nursery and DD2 is approaching 10 months. Our nanny has just told us she wants to leave next year probably around Easter but hasn't decided what her plan is and could probably be persuaded to work to our dates without too much difficulty. She's getting older and wants a change in career so wants to set herself a deadline. All fine and to be expected at some point.
My DH feels that she should go sooner rather than later (at Christmas) so that DD2 is "not too attached to her" and on a practical point employing a new nanny who can drive and do the incredibly awkward school run would be great. DD1 is going through a rather bratish stage and he feels it is down to poor discipline rather than just standard 3yo behaviour.
I feel that's a bit of a kick in the teeth for someone who has been a great nanny, adores the girls and has given us more than fair notice. If she'd kept her mouth shut until Christmas it would still have been fair. It's also forcing her timetable forward to make a life changing decision which while it is not our responsibility, removes her secure income for 3-4 months+ which she may be factoring into her exit plans. I feel that we have some responsibilty to her as her employer. I would like her to stay on until the school holidays start next year if she is prepared to. That would give a new nanny plenty of time to settle in over the summer and build a relationship with the girls.
More importantly is the impact on both girls. DD1 has never had another carer (aside from DH & I) and is just starting nursery as one of the youngest in her year. DD2 has been cared for by her part-time from 3 months/full-time from 6 months. As far as I am aware - 6mo to 2 yrs is the most important time for children not to experience multiple care-givers and develop proper attachment behaviours.
There's every possibility that we could change the nanny over without any problems but if we did have issues and a new nanny did not work out then things would be very unsettled for DD2. DH and I both work full-time and while our jobs are flexible up to a point in a crisis we would be expected to get a temp in asap and be back at work.
What would you do?