Pay attention to mysterious marks or bruises, injuries, or sudden changes in your child’s demeanor or behavior. These can be signs of abuse, but they can also have other explanations. Abuse is a serious accusation that should not be taken lightly. However, it’s important to trust your gut, even when you don’t have tangible proof. If something feels off, it’s better to find a new nanny. If you aren’t sure and decide to keep the nanny on, be sure to lock up your valuables until you are certain your nanny is worthy of your trust. Intentional neglect, however, is a reason for immediate termination. If your children are frequently hungry, dirty, crying, tired, or need to be changed, the nanny may be neglecting them. The same goes if your nanny always seems to be on their phone and the kids are put on devices to entertain them, particularly if you have made clear that these practices are not acceptable. If they are telling small lies, you may be able to mend the situation with open communication. A big lie may create an irreparable break in your relationship that warrants termination. Don’t risk your own career or sense of security to hold onto an unreliable nanny. If it’s only happened a few times and you are otherwise pleased with the nanny’s performance, talk with them about your concerns to give them an opportunity to correct this issue before resorting to firing them. Certainly, give your nanny proper training and time to get the knack of things, but if you suspect (or witness) that your child’s safety is not your nanny’s number one priority or they simply don’t have the necessary common sense, it’s time to find a new nanny. However, if your nanny simply doesn’t want to abide by your rules and does not have an acceptable explanation for doing so, it is best to part ways. But if your nanny is the one calling the shots and their schedule changes don’t work for you, then it’s appropriate to find someone who’s available when you need them.
