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Is Ageplay the New Key to Relieving Adult Stress?

Teacher with big boobs age playing with younger guy controlling his orgasm

Table of Contents

Age Play

Imagine this – you’ve had a really stressful day at work and you’re feeling overwhelmed. You know you have another busy day tomorrow.

You’re on your way home and the bus is full. People are making noise. You’re hungry, you’re tired, you’re overstimulated. You feel your stress levels rising.

You reach your house and walk in the door. Your partner is waiting for you.

You change into your ‘little’ clothes and all your responsibilities melt away.

Your caregiver kisses you on the forehead and settles you down in front of the TV, switching your favorite cartoons on. They give you some pencils and a coloring book along with some juice in a cute little cup.

You feel safe. You don’t have to think about anything or do anything.

They tell you that you’re a good girl or boy and that they’re proud of you. It’s like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders…

Vector FIle

In ageplay, adults explore roles beyond their actual age in a consensual way. These roles often include adult nurturing and childlike innocence.

In this article, we explore the complex world of ageplay. We’ll look into why people love it and the unique relationships it creates.

So, get ready to challenge some common ideas about identity and how we interact with each other. Remember to keep an open mind along the way – there’s no shame in exploring kinks and fetishes here!

What Exactly is Ageplay?

addy spanking naked woman ass in ageplay
daddy spanking naked woman ass

Ageplay is a type of role play where consenting adults ‘play’ a different age than they are.

Usually, one person takes the role of the carefree ‘child’ and another plays the role of the nurturing caregiver.

The partner roleplaying the younger person uses their imagination and really gets into the headspace of their chosen age. For instance, they might talk and behave like a child. They might even immerse themselves in toys, games, child-like outfits, and other imaginary experiences.

The person roleplaying the caregiver will give the ‘child’ instructions, provide activities to do, and offer comfort. They are the ones in charge.

Essentially, it’s like building your own fantasy universe where creativity knows no bounds.

It’s vital to note that no children are involved in ageplay, only consenting adults.

This type of play is a kink under the BDSM umbrella. It creates a power exchange dynamic, like many other forms of BDSM.

Age players can be any gender and any sexuality. As long as everyone involved is consenting adults, anyone can engage in ageplay.

I know that if you’ve never heard of it before, ageplay can sound a bit ‘out there’. I thought so too when I first heard about it many years ago. But usually, this initial feeling comes from a lack of understanding or from fear.

In reality, ageplay can be a really beautiful thing. And you’re in the right place to learn more!

Why Do People Like Ageplay?

Woman dressed as a high schoolgirl engaging in a role-playing game with a man and give him blowjob

If you’re new to hearing about ageplay, you might be thinking, “But why do people enjoy this?” That’s a fair question and one I’m happy to answer.

It’s actually a lot more in-depth than you might think. There are multiple reasons people can enjoy ageplay.

Providing an Escape

Many age players find comfort in caring connections, a chance to relive childhood, and an opportunity to embrace innocence and exploration through ageplay.

For most people playing the ‘child’ role, it isn’t about literally wanting to be a child. It’s more about being carefree and cared for by someone you love.

It provides an escape from their everyday life. Their role play lets them relax and reduce their stress levels.

You can’t tell me you’ve never had a glass of wine or a smoke at the end of a long day. Or put on your favorite TV show and grabbed your favorite snacks. All of these behaviors are our ways of seeking comfort and reducing stress, which is completely normal.

For the brain, it’s like putting on comfortable sweatpants. Ageplay provides an escape from adult duties and a chance to be carefree with your partner.

Therapeutic Benefits

For some people, age play can be therapeutic. It allows them to reinvent their childhood. For example, if someone wasn’t given the security and comfort they wanted as a child, they may use ageplay as a way to experience that in adulthood.

Those playing the caregiver role may find it therapeutic to give someone the type of care they wish they once had. It can also make the caregiver feel valued, needed and loved.

In a 2019 study on the topic, an age player said their caregiver: “Finds it therapeutic to know that these nurturing and loving qualities are inside of him, regardless of the fact that he didn’t learn them by example.”

In some cases, people engaging in this type of role play may have experienced abuse in childhood. But this isn’t the case for everyone involved and we mustn’t make that assumption.

Fun and Play

Women in a diaper practicing age play

 

Imagine an adult rediscovering the delights of childhood! To put it simply, age play is fun. It lets adults play again. Let’s face it – we all miss those innocent times.

Strengthening Relationships

Many couples find that being open about their fantasies allows them to connect more deeply.

By putting the responsibility of your ‘care’ in someone else’s hands it can also create a deep sense of trust.

By embracing vulnerability and empathy, ageplay strengthens relationships. People create a special and rewarding bond beyond conventional boundaries, leading to deeper emotional intimacy.

Attraction to the Taboo

Sex expert Julieta Chiaramonte explains that ageplay is taboo in many ways. She states that as humans, we naturally find things that we aren’t ‘supposed’ to want exciting.

Some people are even aroused by the power dynamics or humiliation aspects that can be involved in ageplay (we’ll talk a bit more about this later).

Common Roles in Age Play

two girls in diaper in age play game


Ageplay allows consenting adults to explore different role-playing scenarios in a lighthearted and creative setting.

Common roles include:

  • Adult babies: Yep, you read that right. Some age players role play as adult babies. This might involve wearing adult-sized baby clothes, having a pacifier, drinking from bottles, and needing everything done for them.

  • Adult baby diaper lovers: Some adult babies wear diapers, but this isn’t the case for everyone. Sometimes known as adult baby diaper lovers (ABDLs), these age players may even use the diaper to fulfill their toileting needs.

  • Littles: This is one of the more common age playing roles. Littles refer to childlike roles, like a little girl or boy. They might enjoy wearing childlike clothes, using coloring books, playing games, and doing other ‘kid’s’ activities.

  • Middles: This is more like a teenager or preteen role. Someone in this role might be a bit more ‘bratty’ and need more discipline.

  • Bigs or Caregivers: These are the ‘adult’ roles, played by the partner who takes care of the ‘younger’ age player. They may take on a ‘daddy’ or ‘mommy’ role, or any other type of caregiver.

  • Daddy or Mommy Doms: These roles are similar to caregivers, but tend to have more power dynamics involved. The caregiver is more dominant and the connection will likely involve more BDSM elements.

For most people, these roles are part-time. They slip in and out of the roles when both partners have time for an ageplay session. But for some people, they’re full-time. For these people, it’s a lifestyle, rather than an occasional ‘hobby’.

Common Age Play Dynamics

Two lesbians is practicing ageplay kink

Now that we understand the common roles, let’s take a look at the most common dynamics between partners engaging in age play. These include:

  • Daddy Dom/little girl (DDlg): In this type of age play, one partner assumes the character of a little or middle girl, and the other becomes the Daddy Dom who is in charge. It could also be a Daddy Dom/little boy dynamic.

  • Mommy Dom/little boy (MDlb): This is comparable to DDlg, but it is different in that it’s a little boy role and the Dom is a female. Alternatively, this could be a Mommy Dom/little girl dynamic.

  • Caregiver/little: This term is broader and encompasses different caregiver roles.

  • Caregiver/brat: This dynamic is the same as above, but the little is ‘bratty’ and misbehaves. The caregiver takes on a more stern role, often involving ‘punishments’.

  • Non-Specific Age Play: This refers to a dynamic with nurturing and caregiving aspects without specific age roles.

Sexual Versus Non-Sexual Ageplay

fun and playful daddy dom spanking in daddy kink and ageplay

First, it’s important to understand that not all age play is sexual. In fact, a lot of it has absolutely nothing to do with sex.

But some of it does have a sexual element and that can be controversial. So, let’s take a closer look so we can get a better understanding.

Non-sexual age play focuses on emotional connection and innocence, recreating childhood moments without any sexual content.

On the other hand, sexual age play incorporates erotic themes and elements of control for sexual expression and enjoyment. This is often about someone being in control. It may involve feelings of humiliation and include punishment. These are also common themes in other types of BDSM.

Sexual age play only happens between consenting adults playing a role, like other forms of role play. Adults can consent, but real children cannot.

Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Age Play

Age play is often misunderstood and is surrounded by stigma.

It’s incredibly important to remember that ageplay only takes place between consenting adults. It’s a fantasy. It never involves real children or child abuse.

Age play is not pedophilia, nor does it have anything to do with age-based attraction. There’s no scientific evidence that the two are connected.

However, sexual ageplay does make many people uncomfortable, which is valid. If you don’t feel comfortable with it, you don’t have to be involved with it. But we mustn’t demonize other people for what they choose to do with another consenting adult.

It’s important to note that age play is not age regression therapy, even though some people find it therapeutic in a safe, consensual setting.

Finding a Community

If you’re an ageplayer or are interested in trying age play, there’s nothing ‘wrong with you’. Your feelings and desires are valid. And you’re not alone!

The age play community provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people to experiment with this unique roleplay.

Adults interested in age play, BDSM, pet play kinks, and dollification can connect, share stories, and form bonds. There are even centers like Southern California’s SOAP-LA and online communities like Littlespace Online.

These groups offer a safe haven where like-minded people share information, stories, and advice.

Tips For Practicing Ageplay Safely

Couple trying out age play kink

If you’re new to practicing ageplay I’ve included a few tips below to help you explore safely:

  • Do your research: Consider what roles and dynamics appeal to you and what you would like to get out of your age play.

  • Consent is key: Always communicate with your partner first. It’s vital you are both comfortable, understand each other’s boundaries, and consent to everything during age play sessions.

  • Choose a safe word: Agree on a safe word. This word can be used by either partner when you need a break or want the age play to stop.

  • Choose activities: It can be helpful to think about what sort of activities you want to do while you’re in your chosen roles. If it involves games or activities like coloring, for example, you might need to prepare supplies in advance.

  • Prioritize aftercare: Set aside some time when you’re finished with your session to check in with each other. Talk about how it went, spend some time together, and comfort each other. This is important with any type of BDSM in my opinion. I like to think of it as a period of transition back to your ‘normal’ life.

  • Protection: If you are going to engage in sexual behavior during your age play, ensure you use protection like condoms or dental dams to prevent STIs.

Final Thoughts – Ageplay Can Be Positive

Although age play can be controversial, it can also be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding for those involved. Imagination is the only limit when it comes to age play!

So, if ageplay sounds like something you’re interested in – go for it! Embrace the joy, enjoy the play, and let your inner child dance freely.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like exploring other age-related roleplay kinks and fetishes. Check out related kinks like the Daddy kink or Adult Nursing Relationship for even more exciting adventures!

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Ann-Marie D'Arcy-Sharpe Senior Author & Content Editor
Ann-Marie D'Arcy-Sharpe is a writer and blogger with 8 years of experience creating content across a range of niches, with a special focus on health and wellness. Passionate about her work, Ann-Marie puts her all into every project, delivering content that’s both engaging and insightful✍️📚