Switching babysitters ?

mertense

My dh and I are thinking of switching babysitters for a number of reasons and I'm not sure how to let my current sitter know. The sitter we have now comes to our house with her lo (9 months) and watches dd here. My dh has come in and she has been asleep on the couch with the two kids running around. She feeds dd fast food a lot even when we have other food in the house). She is young and might not think about the safety concerns. She has been great with dd and we do like her and would like to use her as an occasional sitter. The sitter we are thinking about switching to was a para in my classroom until her job was cut. I would be taking dd to her house and she would be watched with the sitters 3 yo dd. This sitter is willing to take both kids next school year and has a parenting style similar to dh's and mine. It'll be easier having dd go with me and be close to my work. The cost is a little more with the second sitter, but still a steal, and we would split providing meals (since she will feed dd what she feeds her daughter, not fast food). Is there an easy way to switch sitters without making the first sitter feel bad? I feel bad switching but my hours are getting longer as I finish out my part of the school year and try to get everything organized for a long term sub. Has anyone switched? How did it go? TIA for the advice!

MarSamWhitney

I agree with PP, I would switch for the reasons you listed. Naping when the children are napping is one thing. When they are awake is another!  I wouldnt worry about hurting her feelings or anything.  In the end its a job, and a very serious one at that. I dont think my boss worries about my feelings if he had to let me go for slacking on the job.

sschwege

I agree with pp I would not have this woman caring for my child anymore, she obviously has poor judgement.  I would just give her the reasons you gave us.  If you feel bad you could always give her a week or two of pay (not that she deserves it IMO).  

soldiersgirl78

MandJS:

I would just mention that you are switching and discuss all the other reasons, but really, I don't think you "owe" your current babysitter any explanation - just give her notice.

This, exactly.  If she asks why, I wouldn't hold back from telling her...I wouldn't be rude about it or anything, I would just be matter-of-fact and unapologetic.  I don't worry about other's feelings if it involves my kid and his safety/well-being. 

sschwege

soldiersgirl78:

MandJS:

I would just mention that you are switching and discuss all the other reasons, but really, I don't think you "owe" your current babysitter any explanation - just give her notice.

This, exactly.  If she asks why, I wouldn't hold back from telling her...I wouldn't be rude about it or anything, I would just be matter-of-fact and unapologetic.  I don't worry about other's feelings if it involves my kid and his safety/well-being. 

I wouldn't do this, she knows where she lives, probably has a key and knows her child.  You can't be too careful, better to just end it on as good terms as possible. 

Kingston54

I would just tell her you don't need her anymore and thank you for what she has done for your family.

I also wouldn't use her again - at all - since she is not supervising while she is there.