at a tender age

In one's youth; at a young age. I'm not surprised to hear that he was doing science experiments at a tender age—he's a child genius! Like many people, I experienced my first true heartbreak at a tender age. My dad grew up on a farm, so he thinks kids should be given a lot of responsibility at a tender age.

at a ˌtender ˈage

at the tender ˌage of ˈ8, ˈ12, etc.

used in connection with somebody who is still young and does not have much experience: We were sent to boarding school at a tender age. ♢ At the tender age of seventeen I left home.