What to Do I Do When My Nanny Quits?

October 22, 2025

What to Do When Your Nanny Quits (and Leaves You in a Bind)

You arrive home for a jam-packed weekend of fun. You say goodbye to the nanny. Nothing seems wrong. Until you get out the stroller at 5 pm Saturday to find a note from the nanny that says she is quitting and won’t be back to work on Monday. AAACCCKK!! How will you manage work with a 2 and half year old by my side?  How am I going to explain this to my baby? What am I going to do?

Take a breath. With the right plan, you can regain stability quickly and find trustworthy care for your family.

1. Take Stock of the Situation

Start by clarifying the facts that you have on hand. 

  • Did your nanny give any notice? If so, confirm their last day.
  • If they’ve left abruptly, note what responsibilities they were handling—school pickups, baby feedings, transportation—to help plan coverage.
  • Lastly, check any written agreements to understand obligations like notice periods or final pay.

This helps you make decisions with a clear head rather than out of stress.

2. Handle the Immediate Logistics

If your nanny has left unexpectedly, address the practical details as soon as possible.

  • Collect any house keys, car seats, strollers, or access codes that may still be in their possession.
  • Arrange final pay promptly and fairly—this keeps things professional and avoids future misunderstandings.
  • Update your household security if needed (door codes, alarm access, or school pickup permissions). 

Taking care of these logistics right away helps restore a sense of order and ensures your family’s safety and privacy. 

3. Secure Backup Childcare Quickly

This is where having a trusted partner makes all the difference. TLC for Kids has been helping families through unexpected childcare changes for over 40 years. Our team can help:

  • Short-term backup nannies to step in immediately, even for just a few days or weeks.
  • Temporary or emergency caregivers who are screened, experienced, and ready to help keep your family’s routine steady.
  • Guidance and placement support to help you find a new long-term nanny who’s the right fit.

Having reliable, professional support gives you space to regroup—without scrambling to find care on your own.

4. Reflect Before You Rehire

Finally, when you’re ready to start the search again, take time to think about what worked (and what didn’t) in your previous arrangement.

  • Was the schedule sustainable?
  • Did you and your nanny communicate effectively?
  • Were expectations clear on both sides?
  • Did you have a written contract and a clear job description?

These insights will help you and your placement agency—like TLC—find a candidate who’s not just available, but truly aligned with your family’s needs and values.

5. Focus on Moving Forward

Losing a nanny can feel personal, but often it’s simply life—relocation, new opportunities, or family changes. The best thing you can do is learn from the experience and move forward with confidence. Most of the time it will go much smoother than a note in a stroller. (That was a true story!!) 

With TLC’s support, many families find they come out of the transition stronger—with new caregivers who bring fresh energy and a great fit for you and your kids! 

TLC Tip: If your nanny ever gives notice, reach out to us right away. We can provide immediate backup care while starting the process of finding your next trusted caregiver. That way, there’s no gap in your family’s routine or peace of mind.