I hate to say it, but most young parents today don't know how to be parents. Either they had no exposure to young children in their lives or they weren't paying attention while they were supposed to be learning. That's part of the purpose of a large, extended family, IMO. I can't believe the number of girls my age who have babies and have never held one.
I was totally clueless when I had my first baby, too ... and I'd supported myself as a babysitter until I went to college! It's a wonder she survived!