How to Fire a Nanny Gracefully (and Legally) in Ohio
Letting go of a nanny can be one of the most emotionally challenging parts of being a household employer. Whether things just aren’t working out or your family’s needs have changed, it’s important to handle the situation with care, clarity, and legal compliance.
In this guide, we’ll walk families in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and across Ohio through the respectful and professional steps of ending a nanny employment relationship. We’ll include practical scripts, legal tips, and real-life examples sourced from nanny and parent communities like r/Nanny and r/NannyEmployers.
Step 1: Identify the Reason for Termination
Start by defining why you are letting your nanny go. Is it performance-related? A change in your family’s schedule? A job relocation? Financial strain?
Clearly identifying the "why" will guide how you structure the conversation and whether any legal protections are triggered.
Common Reasons:
Poor fit or communication issues
Repeated lateness or unreliability
Child safety concerns
Change in work schedule or parent job status
Child starting school or daycare
Step 2: Check the Work Agreement or Contract
Your nanny contract should outline:
Notice period required
Grounds for immediate termination
Severance (if applicable)
Return of household property
Not having a contract? In that case, refer to Ohio’s at-will employment laws, which generally allow either party to end employment at any time for any lawful reason.
Still, giving notice (typically 2 weeks) is considered a best practice unless there's a serious safety issue.
Step 3: Choose the Right Time and Setting
Plan the termination meeting when:
Children are not present
Both parties have time to talk privately
Emotions are likely to be calm
Avoid Fridays or the end of a long shift. Opt for mid-week mornings when possible.
Step 4: Prepare What You’ll Say
Write a script or bullet points. Keep it direct but kind.
Sample Script:
"I want to start by saying how much we appreciate the care you've given our family. After a lot of thought, we've decided to make a change in our childcare arrangement. This has been a tough decision, but we believe it’s the right one for our family right now."
If it’s performance-related:
"There have been ongoing concerns that we haven’t been able to resolve, and it feels like we’re no longer the right match. We appreciate your effort, but we are going to move in a different direction."
Step 5: Discuss Transition Details
Be ready to talk about:
Final working day
Whether they'll work during the notice period
Final paycheck details
Return of keys, credit cards, baby monitors, etc.
Reference letters (if applicable)
Make sure everything is documented in writing.
Step 6: Final Pay and Legal Requirements
In Ohio, household employers must:
Issue a final paycheck by the next scheduled payday
Pay out unused vacation if stipulated in the contract
Provide a W-2 at year-end (even if terminated mid-year)
Also:
Ensure payroll taxes are settled
Maintain documentation of termination date
Close your Ohio unemployment and workers' comp accounts, if no longer employing
Helpful Resources:
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
HomeWork Solutions - Ohio Household Employer Guide
Step 7: Prepare for the Child’s Emotional Response
If your nanny has been a consistent presence, your child may grieve this change.
Tips:
Be honest (but age-appropriate)
Reassure them that the change isn’t their fault
Share memories or make a goodbye card or gift
Keep routines steady in the aftermath
Some families choose to schedule a "goodbye day" with the nanny if emotions allow.
Step 8: Leave the Door Open (or Don’t)
If the nanny has been reliable but your needs have changed, you might want to leave the relationship on good terms. Offer a reference and express gratitude.
If the separation is due to serious concerns (e.g., dishonesty or safety violations), keep things professional and limit further contact.
Reddit Advice: Real-Life Insights
From r/NannyEmployers:
"Always put it in writing. Even if you're on good terms, documentation protects everyone."
From r/Nanny:
"The worst part of being fired was being ghosted. At least have the respect to talk to us face-to-face."
"I appreciated when my family gave me two weeks, paid me out, and let me say goodbye to the kids. It made it easier on everyone."
Final Thoughts: Endings Can Be Graceful
Letting go of a nanny is never easy. But with preparation, respect, and transparency, you can make the process as smooth as possible—for your nanny, your children, and your peace of mind.
If you’re ready to make a change and need support in finding a new caregiver, Hunny Nanny Agency offers discreet, family-focused placement services throughout Ohio.
Helpful Links and Resources
HomeWork Solutions - Ohio Termination Guide
IRS Household Employer Tax Guide
Ohio Labor Laws
Need help finding your next nanny or navigating your responsibilities as an employer? Reach out to Hunny Nanny Agency for guidance tailored to your family.
