How do I help the little girl I nannied for accept the end of our friendship? Why is she still so upset?

Question

I need helping figuring out what exactly is wrong and what I can do to help this situation:

For close to a year I babysat almost all weekend, every weekend (and often during the week) for a 2-year-old who goes to the daycare I work at. Her father is an alcoholic (though not at all abusive) and both parents are emotionally unavailable. I babysat while the father/parents went to the bar. The girl and I became extremely attached, to the point where I think she saw me as more of a mother/parent than either of her parents and relied on me for the emotional support a growing child needs. I, in turn, love her more than anything--so much so that I even worry I won't love my own kids as much.

Suddenly in the end of January I was told I wouldn't be needed anymore because they needed "separation between daycare and home." I never found out exactly what that means.

They are very friendly with me still, and told me it had nothing to do with me, and I believe them.

Answer 1

Why does it have to be the end of the friendship if you still are friends with the parents and still see the child almost daily? Its a change in the relationship, not an end.....