How do you fire your babysitter in a nice way?

Question

This girl charges way too much, sits in front of the tv and eats my food all day. I found someone else who can watch the kids for much less and she's more responsible. How should I tell this girl I don't need her anymore, but in a nice way? I hate making phone calls like this, lol.

She's due to show up on Wednesday. She watches them every Wed.

Answer 1

dont call them...
or tell them you dont need them around anymore

Answer 2

I've had to do that before...it's no fun. My day care provider charged too much, and every time I would drop off my son (he was 2 at the time) he would cry as soon as I pulled in the drive way, he would never want to stay there. And one time when I came to pick him up, I could hear this lady yelling at one of those kids all the way from outside! I was not happy with her, and when I found someone else, I told her one afternoon when I picked my son up that I was going to switch day cares. She asked me why, and I was honest with her. I told her my concerns, and he just said, "Oh....ok." And that was it.
With your situation, I would just tell her thank you for babysitting for you, but after ____ date you won't be needing her to anymore. If she asks why, I would just tell her that someone in your family offered to keep him and you feel more comfortable with that, and tell her that if you know of anyone else in the future that needs a babysitter, you will refer her. (Even if you have no plans to)

Answer 3

Have an alternative sitter on Wednesday and when the old sitter arrives, hand her the last payment and tell her that her services will no longer be needed. If she asks why, list the reason you just gave. These are your children, and by doing this face to face you make your point much more clear and that way she can see your expression. Tell her why you are firing her, but do it in a way that says you want her to do better, just that you want her to do better elsewhere. Then tell her that you will not be available to recommend her to anyone, so please don't list you as a contact.

Answer 4

There isnt any nice way to fire someone. Be sure that the replacement is really worth the lower rate. Are you sure she is really more responsible? Everyone seems responsible during an interview as they want to get the job. If you are sure its the way you want to go simply tell you current babysittter the truth. You found someone else that you trust and that her rates are better suited to your financial situation. Chances are she'll be upset no matter how you break the news because she will be unemployed so there is no way to get around it.

Answer 5

Tell her face-to-face, but in a nice way, that you won't be needing her services any longer. Let her know you appreciate all that she's done, but you're going in another direction with childcare right now.

Give her the last payment (if there is one, if not, give her a $20 gift card to a store or restaurant), then send her on her way.

Do it with confidence so there will be no 'wiggle-room' for her w/ questions and such. Don't offer a reference if you really think that she stinks, and don't make excuses- just be firm, tactful , and respectful.

Good luck

Answer 6

"Thanks so much for the time you've spent sitting my kids. I won't be needing your help anymore."

Then if she asks why, you can tell her.

"I wasn't very happy with the way you paid more attention to the TV and what was in the fridge than you did to the kids. I've found someone who is more responsible."

OR.....
If you don't want to burn the bridge so you have her for a backup sitter, you could just try telling her that you don't need her right now and you'll call her if you ever need a sitter again.

Answer 7

Tell her you can't afford her anymore, and have found someone who will watch the kids for less $$.

If she says she'll work for less, just tell her you've found someone that has a really good chemistry with the kids. Wish her the best of luck, and don't linger on the phone, giving her time to negotiate and allowing yourself time to feel bad.

Basically, say what you need to say, give her your well-wishes, and then hang up politely. I know these things are difficult... but you can do it! Good luck. :)

Answer 8

It is better to do in person than over phone call her and ask her to come over for tea or something then sit her down and explain that you feel as if the situation is not working out and that finacally as a parent you can not keep using her and that its not that you dislike her it s just that you don't believe that she is the right babysitter for your children Good Luck and hope everything works out for you with your new babysitter

Answer 9

If it's a situation that she babysits while you are at work, then call and tell her thank you for babysitting, but her services are no longer needed then say goodbye and hangup.

If she pushes for an answer or her parents get involved just tell them you are doing a friend or relative a favor by using the new sitter and let it go.

Answer 10

You dont' have to explain yourself. You are the boss in this situation. You simply say, "Hi Jenny, I just wanted to let you know that Friday is the last day I'll be needing you. I just want to thank you for all your help. If I know anyone else that needs a sitter, I'll pass your number on!"
End of story. You dont' owe her an explanation. If she asks, just tell her you're not in need of a sitter right now.

Answer 11

just tell her look i do not think you are responsible enough to be watching my child/children and i have already found a replacement. that is all i told my babysitter when i let her go yesterday for my niece she was a total bum i would leave the baby girl in her care for like two hours..........and when i returned i found that the baby had puked in the floor and had hit her eye on the coffee table and she was crying and the sitter was on her *** just sitting there like nothing had happened!!