Exploring Littlespace and Age Play: Interview with Dove of Littlespaces.co
written by Maja Metera based on an interview with Dove (@littlespaces.co on Instagram)
In May 2025, we decided to focus on one specific type of dynamic - one between age players. I had the pleasure to sit down with Dove, the voice behind littlespaces.co. Her Instagram profile @littlespaces.co is where she shares everyday little life, tips, and inspiration for Caregiver/little relationships. It started as a creative outlet for a sensitive soul and quickly turned into an education hub powered by her child-like wonder mindset and curiosity. With a podcast, book, course, and regular Instagram posts, Dove curated a safe space for people to unlearn shame about Cg/l.
What Is Littlespace and Age Play?
During our conversation, we discussed topics that require some understanding of age play. If you are new to this subject, you can find out more in the age play 101 article on our blog or by watching a live stream we did with Dove on Instagram, answering community questions.
However, even though we will not dive into differences and overlaps between age play, littlespace and age regression here, we need to first cover the common misconceptions about this form of role play.
Common Misconceptions About Age Play and Cg/l Dynamics
Age play is often misunderstood, and those unfamiliar may confuse it with harmful or inappropriate behavior. First of all, no - age play isn’t peadophilia. It’s not engaging sexually with children. This kink (or any for that matter) can only be roleplayed by informed, consenting adults - meaning your biological age must be above 18 (or more - check when you become ”of age” in your country). According to Dove, it also doesn’t sexualise innocence for a very similar reason - adults can’t be innocent in the same way children are, we can only try and reconnect with our little side.
“It is about the ability to relax into the moment, let go of the automatisms we learn about sexuality, and instead be present, curious, and explorative”
Moreover, age play and Cg/l are symbolic and contextual rather than literal. In those practices, we connect with the wonderful qualities that children have - like curiosity, presence, exploration, and creativity - rather than focus on the act of “being child-like”.
How to Tell If You Might Be a Little
Having gotten that out of the way, how do you know that age play is something that might feel pleasant and even natural to you? You might want to ask yourself the questions below. You do not have to fulfill a set of criteria to consider yourself a little, so please don’t treat this list as such. Those questions are here to guide you, make you reflect, and do some self-discovery.
At the same time, don’t get it it twisted - liking cute things does not necessarily mean that you are a little or a middle. Just like with other forms of submission or Dominance (yes, littles/middles can do both), there is no “one size fits all”.
Then, once you are aware of your “little tells”, hopefully, you will be able to freely enjoy yourself in the little space. However, a lot of people, mostly because of those widely spread misconceptions we just addressed, struggle to embrace that part of their identity. Even creators like Dove started with internal shame:
“My voice would get so high when I felt shy or very relaxed with someone. I remember thinking that it’s so embarrassing, even though my partner was very open and supportive.”
What helped her was engaging with different media formats like books, podcasts, which made her feel that she truly wasn’t (and isn’t) alone or weird in her desire to be taken care of. On her Instagram page, you can find recommendations of romance books which are based on dynamics such as DDlg (Daddy Dom/little girl).
Exploring Littlespace Gently and Gradually
As you get used to the little/middle headspace, transitioning in and out of it might pose a challenge - especially if you are used to feeling ‘smol’ involuntarily, e.g. in stressful or overwhelming situations. Accepting this part of yourself is a huge positive push that helps with those transitions. It hands you over the steering wheel*. But I know - it’s easier said than done: “Just be cool with this identity that gets so much shame thrown at it both within and outside of kink spaces”. So what you can do is take baby steps - almost literally. Dove’s advice is to:
Start small with something that doesn’t seem too “out there” - for Caregiver-Little dynamic exploration, you might want to start walking holding hands with your partner, you 2 steps behind them. Let them do the guiding.
Gradually, slowly build up elements of your little time - start simple with a tv show or some colouring, then add extra elements like sitting on the floor.
You don’t have to actively include your partner from the beginning - especially if you are new to age play and your little identity gives them a vulnerable to spot to potentially irritate.
Gradually add items which make you feel little and happy - maybe outfits, plushies, pacifiers, bubbles, etc. Keep them out of sight in your day-to-day life so that you remain sensitive to their charm.
Provide yourself with a confined space - be it the arms of your partner rocking you gently or a blanket spread on your bed, make it your physical little space.
“Especially when entering littlespace alone, it can be really helpful to feel contained in the physical space. A blanket on the floor, a bed, having a visually defined space to relax into can help feel safer.”
Vetting: Building Safe Cg/l Relationships
You can absolutely age play on your own, but if you would like to engage with someone else - how do you make sure you are building a healthy dynamic? I asked Dove about vetting, negotiations and dynamics.
Dove shares the approach that vetting goes both ways - that it is not only the little vetting a Caregiver, but also a Caregiver vetting a little. Littles need to be able to take responsibility and cannot use their headspace to avoid it, she said. Both sides need to be able to give and receive feedback, but, as Dove underlined, finding a compatible partner is not really about acquirable skills or kink knowledge, which can be learned. It is about looking for certain personality types - a person who is naturally warm and caring, who likes holding space. And character traits are very important, too: how does the potential Caregiver react to feedback? Are they able to listen and communicate well.
Once you find a potential partner, do not rush either. Consider each step carefully, adding one thing to your dynamic at a time - according to Dove, this is the only way to actually verify what works, fits and what doesn’t without getting it all mixed up.
When building a dynamic:
Take things slow. Add elements one at a time.
Check in after each interaction to see what feels right.
Always negotiate scene elements before entering headspace. Like subspace, littlespace can impair judgment and make it hard to consent.
Conclusion
Age play, like any kink, is deeply personal, rich with emotional depth, and rooted in consent. Littlespace offers a unique form of self-expression and vulnerability that, when embraced intentionally, can be incredibly healing and fulfilling. Dove’s work invites us to explore this side of ourselves without shame—and to prioritize care, communication, and curiosity in every step of that journey. Whether you’re exploring solo or seeking a partner, remember: your desires are valid, your needs are important, and you’re not alone.
*This might not apply to people who involuntarily age regress
