Dena Tickner, a teacher and mother of two, faces the daily challenge of balancing her professional duties with parenting. After returning to teaching full-time following an eight-year break, she often feels guilty for being short-tempered with her children after a demanding day at school. Tickner's experiences reflect a broader issue in the teaching profession, as highlighted by the NASUWT teachers' union, which found that 70% of teachers surveyed have considered leaving due to difficulties in balancing work and family life. Tickner believes that increased flexibility in working conditions could help retain teachers like herself. Her husband’s ability to work from home significantly aids their family dynamic, allowing her to manage her responsibilities more effectively. However, the emotional toll of teaching, particularly with students who have complex needs, can make it difficult for her to disconnect from work. Despite the challenges, she tries to structure her weekends to spend quality time with her children while also completing necessary school work. Tickner acknowledges the importance of school holidays for resetting but finds the cost of travel during these times restrictive. Overall, she advocates for a more flexible approach in schools to support teachers in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.