Don't take "formative years" lightly

You are what you are today because of your experiences in childhood?

Here's the answer from ChatGPT:

The term "formative years" refers to the period of a person's life during which they undergo significant growth, development, and learning. It typically refers to the early years of childhood and adolescence, when individuals are most impressionable and their experiences and interactions shape their attitudes, beliefs, values, and personality.

The formative years are considered a crucial phase in human development as they lay the foundation for a person's future physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. During this period, children acquire fundamental skills, knowledge, and behaviors that influence their overall development and future capabilities.

The formative years encompass various aspects, including cognitive development, emotional and social development, language acquisition, moral development, and the development of physical and motor skills. The experiences and relationships a person has during these years, such as interactions with family, peers, and teachers, as well as exposure to educational, cultural, and environmental factors, play a significant role in shaping their character and abilities.

It's important to note that the exact duration of the formative years can vary, but it generally refers to the early stages of life up to adolescence.