Tips for letting my babysitter go?? :*/?

So, 7 months ago we put our daughter's name on a waiting list at a local day care. After that we found a home day care and started her there. I loved the individual attention should would get, as she was only 10 weeks old at the time. Now she is just over 8 months old and the day care called to offer us a spot. We have decided to enroll her there so that she will get more socialization (she is the ONLY full-time child at the current sitter's) amongst other things (it's a really good day care & learning center). Problem is, today I have to give the sitter her 2-week notice. I am so sick to my stomach. How do I soften the blow? I am going to be completely honest with her and let her know that she is great, but we want to enroll our daughter with more children her age. I am NOT looking forward to this :(

Tips? Advice?

I've been a daycare provider for almost 8 yrs now and this happens. We know it does, just let her know that she has been on the waiting list and that this wasn't a decision you made due to something that she has done. She won't take it personally. Good luck, I know that must be a difficult thing to do!

I totally understand where you are coming from. I was faced with the very same situation when my daughter was 11 months. It was a great place with great care but it was time to push it up a notch for socialization and interaction with other kids for my daughters sake. I was nervous as well.
I gathered up all the pictures and little artwork she did at the daycare and put together a little keepsake for the daycare provider along with some her favorites like candy,balloons,etc. I brought them to her with my notice and we talked about it. At first I thought she was upset because she wouldn't stop crying but in fact she was happy that a parent thought enough of her to do something for her.
she is still a back up for when the new daycare is closed. we have a good relationship now. and my daughter is doing great at the new daycare.
Good Luck!

just gently state to her that although she provided great care to your child, you want your child to develop her social skills.
good luck,
momofb&d