The ancient culture decided that children were to remain with their parents for about the first 13 years (e.g., Jewish culture, bar mitzvah, manhood).

 

The modern culture has determined that should be extended to 18 years, the legal age to sign contracts, enter the military, etc.

 

Those 13 - 18 years are set aside so children can BOND with their parents.  Learn from them, be with them, watch them, hear them, go with them, do things with them.  Bonding.

 

Instead, we have parents who take a three month maternity leave, then begin turning their children over to others and put them into groups of peers to watch, hear, and be with.  This goes on for 13 years, so, instead of BONDING with the parents, these children are BANDING with their peers.

 

Bonding vs. Banding.  I choose bonding!