We’re proud of the community we have at Sittercity. Babysitters and nannies regularly check in with each other to share info and ask questions in our Facebook group. Everyone is so willing to share their experience and advice to build up others and the profession as a whole. It’s really a beautiful thing.
To continue supporting our sitters and nannies in their professional development, we asked our community, “what advice would you give sitters on how to share with families they’ve started communicating with that they no longer think they’re a good fit?” What’s interesting: almost every response included something about honesty. Our community is definitely on the same page about this!
Thank you to everyone willing to share your thoughts and make us stronger for it!
“It’s better to be honest. And think about how it will feel if it was done to you. It’s better to let the family know instead of wasting people’s time. Because that also looks bad on you and how you look as a person and babysitter.”
Josie G. | Rockville, MD
“Be honest and professional. Put yourself in the parent’s shoes. They are trusting you to take care of the thing most precious to them. You make life hard for them and other sitters by not sticking to your commitment or not communicating with them about your needs or concerns.”
Madia B. | Lawrenceville, GA
“I would be honest and polite. Being straightforward is more respectful than ghosting!”
Jessica L. | Birmingham, MI
“It just comes down to basic people skills. Approach the subject with honesty and grace – make sure the family knows that its nothing “wrong” with their family, but that based on differences, distance, or whatever it may be, you think they may work best with/their children may grow best with another sitter.”
Maggie M. | Pittsburgh, PA
“Be straightforward and give them ample time to find a replacement.”
Hayley P. | Seattle, WA
“Be honest and upfront about what is going on. Families are a lot more understanding than we realize! Be mature about leaving your job as well.”
Aliyah N. | Eugene, OR
“Just be honest. These children are the most important pieces in their lives. If you can’t give the quality they need, you shouldn’t be there. If their requests are beyond what you are trained for, have the energy to provide, or cause you stress whenever you are there–you are NOT a fit for them. It is better for ALL involved to just know what you can handle or are capable of-not to mention safety.”
Toni F. | Rochester, MN
“Be upfront and as honest as you’re comfortable with being but do not feel that you owe anyone an in-depth explanation or apology.”
Jamie M. | East Weymouth, MA
“Open communication is literally the best policy. I feel as though if it’s only working out on one side, the job can not be completed easily/properly. It’s always best to have those uncomfortable conversations.”
Celina A. | Berwyn, IL
“Agree to a trial period wherein either party can communicate it is not a good fit, without further explanation if necessary.”
Karen R. | Tonawanda, NY
“Feel confident and follow your gut. Be honest.”
Hayley T. | Gilbert, AZ
“Be honest. Or if you can’t be honest, tell them your schedule changed. But don’t keep them hanging.”
Lisa J. | Chicago, IL
“Be adaptable to the family needs and their lifestyle. If it does not work, remember that finding the right fit is important both for the family and you – a happy professional relationship is SUPER important in all directions. If they are not a good fit for you, or vice versa, be honest to yourself and to the family in the best way possible.”
Dori G. | New York, NY
“I have done this and it’s hard! Just be kind, professional, and honest. You don’t have to be mean to say you aren’t interested in working with them. You can just say you don’t feel it is a good fit or are not interested in sitting for them again. Honestly, they usually get it because those have been the families where their kids were a nightmare. You don’t have to say that for them to know. You can be professional and kind. They get it, and it forces them to evaluate themselves without you having to call them out. I once had a mom apologize and tell me they were going to start working on their kids. I had said nothing about her kids’ behavior and had kept things super kind/professional. I think just honesty and professionalism is best.”
Monica G. | Hickory Hills, IL
