Age Play is generally understood to be either a sexual or non-sexual type of role-playing where consenting adults identify with an age or age range different from their own chronological age. Within Age Play there are kinks and fetishes, as well as lifestyle identities, power exchange and dynamics.
Ageplayers can role play in a wide range of ages, from babies to teenagers to the elderly. Age Play can mean role-playing in a wide variety of roles, from a ‘Mommy’ changing a baby in diapers, a toddler playing with trucks, a teenager sneaking out of the house to meet her boyfriend and being caught by police, to an elderly man getting a sponge bath from his nurse in the rest home.
Ageplayers immerse themselves into their chosen roles, by using age-appropriate vocabulary, mannerisms, traits and behaviours. They engage in childlike routines and rituals; naps, snacks, bedtime, bath time and story time routines, or the use of playtime, time outs and the naughty corner. There are also clothes and accessories made to be worn by adults that reflect a much different age, most notably with younger ages; littles, middles and adult babies as well as associated roles such as princesses, BabyGirls, and brats.
Some Common Items Used in Age Play:
- Stuffed animals / toys
- Colored pencils, crayons, colouring books
- Nappies/diapers
- Pacifiers and bonnets
- Adult sized children’s furniture
- Pajamas, onesies
Age Play is an established category within BDSM and accepted practice with a very large and active community yet there are still common misconceptions that Age Play lends itself to condoning paedophilia and incestuous behaviours. This is not remotely close to the reality and the nature of Age Play. If you roleplay cops and robbers, are you automatically assumed to be a thief? Doctors and nurses, a medical degree and huge student debt? What about Pet Play? Does that make you an animal? Or even worse is condoning criminal acts with animals?
Age Play, like all BDSM, happens only between consenting adults. Age Play is a consensual, safe and fictional role-play; a fantasy world in which people can exercise their kinks and fetishes.
NOTE: While there are people who consider ABDL a personality trait or age identity we won’t be referencing those areas as it has nothing to do with BDSM.
Age Play as a Fetish
People who role-play at a different age, normally many years apart from their actual chronological age, are considered Ageplayers. Age Play roles can be sexual or non-sexual in nature; many who participate in Age Play and play a role with an age below the age of legal consent prefer not to engage in sexual activity whilst doing so. Others see no issue with it, as the participants are themselves of legal age.
Age Play is not inherently BDSM, but simply a form of role-playing and there is not necessarily anything BDSM related about it. That said, there are plenty in the BDSM community who use Age Play during scenes, as part of a fetish or to compliment another kink.
Ageplayers who enjoy role-playing at an earlier age for sexual purposes are enjoying it as a fetish. Typically there is a more specifically defined age and behaviour that allows comfort and security in exploring sexual desires. Some will see this as an opportunity to allow an authority figure to take control over them, or in the case of those choosing to play at an older age; this could allow for an easier time assuming greater responsibility for the direction of sexual play.
Casual non-sexual roleplay can also be explored as a kink and a fetish, though typically it is part of a broader dynamic where role-play is either negotiated or part of a scene. Many kinksters enjoy activities that are commonly practised within Age Play as well, that do not see them as being associated with an age range or role such as colouring and playing dress-up. They can be included within self-care routines or can simply be hobbies that do not relate to their role or identity within BDSM.
There is a big difference between Age Play as a fetish and those who consider themselves to be part of a Caregiver/little lifestyle and dynamics. However, it’s important to remember that the Age Play spectrum is as diverse and varied as the individual Ageplayers themselves. The most important part in defining Age Play is for you to personally define what it means to you, your relationships and as part of your dynamics.
Mistresses summary notes:
- Age Play is a fetish for roleplaying a ‘character’ of a different age to that of your chronological age.
- Age Play is not condoning or representative of pedophilia or incestuous behaviors.
- Age Play does not have to include any forms of BDSM.
- The majority of Age Play role playing does not include sexual activity of any kind.
- Many Ageplayers don’t consider themselves a part of the ABDL spectrum (and there is some hostility in some circles).
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