Why is it that two of the most important jobs in the world require no experience, training or qualifications?  Politics and parenting.
This century, we have seen the rise of the 'professional politician', i.e. people who have worked only in the political sphere, be it in PR or political internships.  Some of the best teachers I have known had a hinterland, a background of differing occupations and interests.  So too with politicians - the best, the most in touch with their public are usually the ones who have worked in areas of employment dissociated from the political world, seasoned by their experience.  In any case, the expression 'professional politician' is a misnomer.  Skills such as smooth public speaking, the ability to deceive and conceal, and the willingness to sell your scruples to obtain power and prominence will see almost anyone ambitious enough into parliament.


As for parenting, it is true that there are parenting classes now, but the usual response to my original question is that parenting is 'natural and instinctive'.  To some degree this is true, but far too may simply repeat the pattern of their own childhoods, whether good or bad.  Future and present parents should question the way they were brought up.  For most people, much of it will be replete with sensible and pleasant memories, though there is always a danger of sentimentalising a troubled childhood.  But the most important aspect of this questioning is to reflect on those attitudes and actions which you recall as cruel or just plain wrong.  The worse the childhood, the more important it is to 'break the chain', to overturn the past and treat your own children in a supportive and loving way.  Some manage to do this, but far too many still won't look back in order to go forward.