A BDSM little is a person who often submits, either through their actions in a BDSM scene or within their personal mindset by means of a power exchange. They can range from child-like to childish in their appearance and behavior, both in and out of BDSM. Littles come in every shape, size, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and mindset.
A “little” is a person who often submits and engages in age-play, a role-play that involves acting younger than their actual age. The term “little” is most commonly associated with DDLG (Daddy Dom, Little Girl) relationships, but it can also apply to other dynamics such as MDLB (Mommy Dom, Little Boy) or CGl (Caregiver/little). In these relationships, the “little” often takes on the submissive role, while the “Daddy Dom,” “Mommy Dom,” or “Caregiver” takes on the dominant role.
There are several types of littles, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviors:
It’s important to note that these are just general categories and many littles may not fit neatly into one type. Some littles may identify with multiple types or have their own unique type that doesn’t fit into these categories.
People may act child-like for a variety of reasons, often related to psychological and emotional factors.
When faced with stress, trauma, or vulnerability, some adults may regress to a child-like state as a coping mechanism. Age play can provide a form of escapism from everyday life, allowing individuals to temporarily forget their real-life troubles and embody a different age. This can provide a sense of comfort and security, allowing them to retreat to a time when they felt safe and secure.
Some adults may act child-like to command attention. They may not care if the attention they receive is positive or negative, as long as they are at the center of attention.
Acting child-like or engaging in age play can be a way to explore different power dynamics and roles in BDSM. This can increase communication and intimacy between partner.
Age play can also help individuals process past traumas or experiences in a controlled environment, leading to increased healing and intimacy in relationships.
“Little space” refers to a mental state where a “little” connects with their inner child, allowing them to feel carefree, relaxed, and free from adult responsibilities. This mindset is similar to “sub space” or “dom space”, but it focuses more on the inner child aspect.
The experience of being in little space can vary greatly from person to person. Some may feel a sense of relief from anxiety and self-consciousness, while others may feel physically and emotionally tiny, but in a positive sense. When in little space, littles often crave attention and affection, preferably from their caregiver or dominant partner.
The way littles express their kink and experience little space can be very diverse. Some enjoy playing with toys, wearing cute outfits, or engaging in activities typically associated with children. Others may have specific triggers that induce their childlike state of mind, such as stress, panic attacks, overwhelming situations, or strong emotions.
It’s important to note that all littles are different, and no two littles will have the exact same experience. Some littles may like to wear diapers to regress into an adult baby, while others may not. Some littles have a caregiver and some don’t.
Being in littlespace can bring joy, peace, and serve as an outlet from the realities of adulthood in a safe manner. It can also be a chance to practice self-compassion. However, it can sometimes be challenging, especially during times when the little doesn’t have a caregiver to interact with.
The way littles experience littlespace can vary greatly. Some littles may find the aesthetic and dynamic of what they perceive as “conventional BDSM” unappealing, while still enjoying intense pain and humiliation. Others may play as both littles and as BDSM submissives depending on the partner, mood, and situation.
The experience of being a little can also be therapeutic. Some littles believe that having a healthy and nurtured inner child leads to a better overall mental state and can lead to healing past traumas as well as guide one towards cultivating inner peace. BDSM play, including age-play, can derive some of its intensity from the incorporation of personal life experiences, attitudes, and social power dynamics into sexual scenes in ways that also afford therapeutic possibilities of processing, self-discovery, and resolution.
To be a BDSM little, follow these steps:
