Dear Westside Nannies,

We recently hired a nanny who we thought would be the perfect fit for our family, but things aren’t going as expected. She’s great with the kids, but there have been ongoing issues with communication, punctuality, and following through on tasks. We’re trying to stay optimistic, but we’re not sure what to do next. What should we do if our nanny isn’t working out?

Sincerely,
A Concerned Family

Thank you for reaching out. Though you’ve worked hard to make sure you found a great fit for your family, sometimes things just don’t go as planned once the position is underway.  You’re not alone, and we’re glad you asked.

Hiring a nanny is an incredibly personal process. So when things don’t go smoothly, it can feel especially stressful. The good news? You’re not stuck. If you’ve hired through Westside Nannies, you have a team behind you to help navigate the situation with clarity, professionalism, and support.

1) Recognize the Signs: Is Your Nanny a Good Fit?

There are many reasons a nanny might not be the right fit for your family, even if they came highly recommended or seemed perfect on paper or in an interview setting. Common signs include:

• Ongoing tardiness or unreliability
• Communication breakdowns
• Difficulty following your family’s values or parenting style
• A disconnect or lack of connection with the children
• Lack of initiative or inconsistent follow-through

Sometimes, these issues can be resolved with a simple reset or conversation. But other times, it becomes clear that the arrangement isn’t sustainable long-term.

2) Start with an Honest, Constructive Conversation

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s always a good idea to have a direct and compassionate conversation. Set aside time to discuss your concerns calmly and clearly. Avoid surprises. Don’t bring it up in passing or during a rushed goodbye. Instead, try something like:

“We really value your role with our family and want to make sure we’re all on the same page. We’ve noticed a few things lately that we’d love to talk through so we can work better together.”

Use specific examples, express your expectations moving forward, and give them a chance to respond.

3) Revisit the Job Description and Expectations

In many cases, misalignments come from unclear or evolving expectations. Maybe the role has shifted since the hire, or certain responsibilities weren’t as clearly outlined as they could’ve been from the start.

Now is the time to review your nanny contract and clarify:

• Daily duties
• Hours and schedule
• Communication preferences
• Any listed boundaries around screen time, discipline, etc.

If your expectations have changed, consider whether your nanny is willing and equipped to adapt. If they aren’t, that’s an important indicator that it might be time to go your separate ways.

4) When It’s Time to Move On: How Westside Nannies is Here to Support You

If you’ve had an open conversation and tried to course-correct but the fit still isn’t right, it’s okay to do what’s best for your family. In fact, it’s often better for everyone involved, including your children, when a placement ends prematurely rather than sticking it out when it’s just not working.

At Westside Nannies, we offer continued support after hire. If you’re feeling unsure about your placement or realize your nanny isn’t working out, here’s how we help:

• Post-placement support: You can reach out to us anytime to talk through concerns. We’ll help assess whether the issues are fixable and make suggestions to troubleshoot any problems or if it’s time to explore a new placement.
• Replacement support: If your nanny’s employment ends within your first year working together, Westside Nannies will apply a prorated portion of your original placement fee towards finding you a great fit. We’ll revisit your family’s needs, adjust the search as necessary, and present your family with new candidates who align with your household.
• Guided transitions: We can help you navigate how to professionally and ethically end a nanny relationship. We’ll offer talking points, logistical guidance, and next steps to protect both parties.

You’re never on your own when you work with Westside Nannies, and that’s one of the biggest advantages of choosing an agency.

Realizing that your nanny isn’t the right fit can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. Sometimes, things just don’t click, and that’s okay. The key is to respond quickly and professionally, and to lean on your support system for help.

Westside Nannies is here to help you navigate the next step, whether that’s a candid conversation, a reset, or, if it comes to it, a new match entirely. Our goal is always to help you find a caregiver who meets your needs, supports your family’s values, and brings joy to your children’s day-to-day lives.