A Little is a person who plays the role of a much younger person, sometimes, but not always, a version of themself, in a consensual age play relationship or scene.
Incorporating child-like attitude and behavior, a little will often identify as a specific age—anything ranging from infant to teen (also referred to as “middles”). Some littles adopt physical mannerisms and activities of children, including changing their voices, playing with toys and dolls, and wearing clothes in the style of the age they’re portraying.
Anyone of any age can be a little and the role is not limited to gender or sexuality. The complementary role in an age play relationship is a Big, someone who plays the Daddy, Mommy, or Caregiver, depending on the “relationship” to their little.
One of the appeals of being a little is the sense of escape from being an adult and the issues and concerns that adults deal with every day. A little can leave their real-world issues behind and enter little space as part of their age play with their Big. For some, being a little also involves a sexual component and for others, it doesn’t.
In a sexual context, age play is often tied to BDSM and power exchange, with littles being submissive to the dominant Big. Punishment for childish misdeeds, such as spilling food, leaving toys out, or disrespect can be met with over-the-knee spanking. Although it is less common, little/Big roles can be reversed and the little can be the Dominant and the Big submissive.
Age play is often mistakenly confused as being pedophilia or incest. Instead, it is fantasy and role-play between consenting adults. Even for those who do not include a sexual or BDSM context to their age play, littles find comfort and care in their role. They enjoy the protection and attention of the Big, and the positive influences the Big role offers. Littles seek to be nurtured and guided by Bigs.
More About Little
Identifying as a little is becoming increasingly popular, though it is a kink that comes with significant stigma and misunderstanding. As society continues to wrap its head around the general concepts of Dominance and submission, adding age play elements sets off triggers for many.
Being a little is not about pedophilia or incest because the person who embodies that role is recognized as a consenting adult who is not actually related to their Big. The Big is not an abuser, again, because thy are playing a role. Fantasy plays a significant part in our sexual world, but, for some, this type of fantasy remains taboo.
As a result, while more and more people are enjoying being a little, it remains an identity that is rarely seen publicly. There are specific sites and web stores for discussion, advice, and shared community, but rarely do littles and Bigs portray their roles outwardly in ways that other BDSM players have brought their kink into the public realm.
One of the ways that separate being a little from other types of fantasy role-play is the ability of some littles to revel in that identity for lengthy periods of time, even if there is not continued contact with their Big. This relates to enjoying the role for the escapism it can offer. Littles can take great pleasure in coloring, dressing up, playing with toys, dolls or stuffed animals, or playing video games on their own, with little or infrequent contact with their Big. For those who enjoy incorporating costumes or props in fantasies, being a little is very satisfying.
At other times, a little will want significant attention from the Big, including hugs, affirmation, cuddling, and even being rocked to sleep. Some littles like their Big to be strict and to establish rules. Sometimes these rules are meant to be broken, so the little can be seen as bad and be punished. Sometimes the rules are meticulously adhered to so the little can be seen as good and rewarded.
