Parenting is sort of the ultimate example of learning on the job. Some jobs you can’t truly learn until you’re doing them. All the books, education, and training can’t prepare you for the realities of day to day. Being a parent is one of these. Sure, when you’re expecting, you can read some books. These books might even be helpful- they might teach you about child psychology, offer tips on nutrition, and help you feel a little more prepared. 

Even practical experience taking care of other people’s children can really help you nail down the specifics. But there’s nothing that could prepare you for a lifetime of being a parent because it never stops. You don’t fork your kid over to the babysitter and stop being a parent. You’re still the ultimate boss. So there’s a lot of improvisation you have to do when you’re parenting. It’s the truest «fast-paced environment» of them all.