What Is Age Regression?

Introduction

What is Age Regression?

Age regression is when someone mentally shifts into a younger state of mind. This can be a voluntary or involuntary experience, and it's often used as a coping mechanism for things like stress, trauma, or mental health struggles. When someone regresses, they may act, think, or feel like a child, toddler, or baby.

It’s non-sexual and should always be SFW.

People might use comfort items like stuffies, pacis, cartoons, or soft blankets.

It helps some people feel safe, comforted, and emotionally secure.

What is Age Dreaming?

Age dreaming (sometimes called age wanting in certain contexts) is when someone daydreams or fantasizes about being a different age, but without actually regressing. It’s more of a creative, fun, or identity-based experience, and isn’t always tied to coping or mental health.

It can be like imagining yourself as a kid, teen, or even a different age entirely.

It’s often more about aesthetic, comfort, or self-expression.

Unlike regression, people in an age dream state usually stay aware of their current age and don’t mentally shift.

Why Might Someone Regress?

1. Mental Health & Coping

To escape overwhelming emotions like anxiety, depression, or stress.

As a way to feel safe during or after trauma or flashbacks.

To manage dissociation or emotional shutdowns.

2. Neurodivergence

Many autistic and ADHD individuals naturally regress when overstimulated, under pressure, or seeking comfort.

Regression can help with emotional regulation or sensory overwhelm.

3. Comfort & Safety

It brings back the warm, safe feeling of being cared for or protected.

Helps with inner healing, especially for unmet childhood needs.

Some regress to recreate a childhood they never had.

4. Inner Child Work

Regression can be part of reconnecting with your inner child.

It allows people to explore past emotions in a safe, nurturing way.

Sometimes encouraged in therapy for healing purposes.

5. Just for Fun!

Some people regress because it’s cozy and fun!

Playing with toys, watching cartoons, or cuddling stuffies brings joy and relaxation—no deep reason needed.

Voluntary vs Involuntary?

Voluntary regression is when someone chooses to enter a younger headspace on purpose.

You decide when, where, and how to regress.

You might use triggers like cartoons, stuffies, or soft music.

It's usually done for comfort, self-care, or fun.

You stay aware of your current age even if you’re acting younger.

Involuntary regression happens without trying or planning it—it just happens, usually in response to emotional or mental triggers.

Can be caused by trauma, stress, overstimulation, or flashbacks.

You might suddenly feel younger, helpless, or confused.

It’s often harder to control or snap out of.

Sometimes people don’t realize they’ve regressed until afterward.

Disclaimers !

Note that age regression/dreaming is ALWAYS 100% NON-KINK/SFW. Age regression is usually used as a coping mechanism; do not make fun of anyone's regression. Respect a regressor's boundaries. SYSTEMS ARE 100% VALID WHEN THEY HAVE LITTLE ALTERS! Terms that are nsfw are such as cgl, ddlg, kink, littlespace (sometimes, unfortunately!) and most abbreviations. Appropriate abbreviations are things like Agere, Agereg, Petre, Agedre, Petdre, Cg (just caregiver, or crgv or a less similar to cgl abbreviation.) SFW meaning safe for work. all age regression is SFW. there is no such thing as NSFW agere; that's just kink invading privacy. Minors & Adults are both capable of age regressing or caregiving. there is not a "right" way to regress other than keeping kink out of the community.

A term for those who's age changes is called a "Age-shifter"! It's a term I came up with, but it works pretty well!