Bill Linnane: Why parent-teacher meetings are like the NCT or speed datingI was against our eldest son changing schools but he is happier and therefore a better student because we let him switchChanging schools has been a revelation in terms of our son's happiness and engagement. Photo posed: GettyBill Linnane Today at 06:30​None of us likes our parenting abilities being judged. It doesn’t matter if it’s the ‘tsk tsking’ busybodies in the supermarket watching on in visible disgust as your toddler blows a reactor core and goes into nuclear meltdown in the treats aisle because you won’t buy them a bag of blue bonbons, or even your own parents chiming in to tell you where you are going wrong with raising your child, it is never easy to take criticism.

Source: Irish Independent January 23, 2026 10:02 UTC