there's something so profoundly beautiful in creating a space so safe and nurturing for a man, that he feels comfortable enough to let his guard down completely.

it's as though he's letting his inner child emerge, soft and unguarded. he's surrendering the weight of the world to you and letting you baby him, becoming sweet putty in your arms. almost like he's allowing himself to be enveloped by your care and affection and in return, you get to witness a tender side to him- gentle, vulnerable and unburdened.

you're safe and sound with mommy, baby <3

Grabby Hands = “Please pick me up”

Whining = “I need your attention right now”

Grabby Hands + Whining = “Im upset and I need to be close to you right now”

Huffing = “I didn’t get my way” or “I’m embarrassed”

Pouting = “I’m feeling fussy”

Pouting + Stomps = “I’m feeling extremely fussy and I’m going to throw a fit if I’m not calmed down”

Pats = “I want your attention” or “I’m excited”

Pulling your sleeve or pant leg = “I want your attention” or “I want you to get something for me”

Bounces = “I’m very excited or happy and I’m trying to contain it”

Wiggles = “This is my uncoordinated version of a happy dance”

Yawning = “You should put me to bed because I won’t do it myself. And yes, I will fuss when you try to tuck me in and tell you I’m not tired”

yes, all of it, love it <3

Things Your Little Needs to Hear When Scared, Stressed, or Struggling

“Baby, I’m here for you.”

“Don’t feel guilty. I’m not being forced to be here. I choose to be. Because I want to be.”

“You’re not being too needy.”

“Tell me everything. I really want to know.”

“I love you. You struggling isn’t going to change that.”

“It’s ok to cry if you need to. I’m not afraid of tears.”

“I love you, you know. Even when you’re worried. Maybe even extra lots then, cuz I know you need it.”

“Do you know how proud I am right now, seeing you stand up to something so scary and hard? I’m so, so, SO proud!”

“Do you want to talk more? I want to hear, so don’t worry about talking too much of being too scared.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here.”

“Come here, little one. I need to hold you right now. And you need it too.”

“I love you, and I love your courage and strength.”

“I promise I’m not going anywhere. Tell me everything.”

And about a billion similar things. SUPPORT YOUR LITTLES, PEOPLE! Especially when hard times strike. And remember too, littles…your caregivers need support too!

plushies.... are one of... the best things. ever created. here is this animal that i love. i'm gonna make a little version just so i can hold it close. i'm scared of the things that go bump in the night, but this soft friend will protect me. a lion, a tiger, dogs cats bunnies... they're here to keep me safe. i love that.

You're my mommy because...

You’re my mommy because I like how you hold me. You’re my mommy because you never forget about me. You’re my mommy because I know you’ll always be there. You’re my mommy because I trust you with my most innocent form. You’re my mommy because you care about me, sometimes more than I do. You’re my mommy because you play with my hair. You’re my mommy because you make me feel safe and wanted. You’re my mommy because you do your best for me everyday. You’re my mommy because you love me, but I’ll always love you more. ❤️

I love you mommy ^~^

CAREGIVERS SIT DOWN I'M ABOUT TO LEARN YOU A THING

Here’s some tips for newbies:

-Timeouts don’t always work

-A lot of littles like spankings so they’re not the best for actual punishment

-Do NOT take away comfort items as a punishment. So if your little has a special stuffy or a paci or something DON’T TAKE IT FROM THEM AS A PUNISHMENT.

-Sometimes we act out and break rules because we need extra love and attention or maybe we’re sad. not because we need to be punished.

-You should have a list or rules and punishments written down so it’s easy for your little to remember.

-Some of us need motivation to do stuff. Ice cream works well for that.

-Some of us have issues that will make us extremely sad and scared if you talk about other littles.

-Littles with mental illnesses need even more reassurance than others

-We all need a lot of reassurance anyway

-You can tell us we aren’t annoying a million times but we will all feel like we’re annoying you at some point

-Different littles need different rules.

-Just cherish us. Let us be little and love us for it.

-NEVER tell a little that they’re being too immature or too childish or that they need to grow up. This is who we are and if you don’t want that well then you aren’t a caregiver.

Dear Caregivers,

I know caregivers are generally seen as these strong individuals who are always there when you need them, but sometimes that's not always the case. So here's a reminder for caregivers:

♡ It's okay to take time away from caring for your little(s) if you need a break

♡ It's okay to focus on your mental health and your own needs

♡ It's okay to take time for yourself

♡ You don't only have to focus on your little(s). You're allowed to prioritize yourself too

♡ If your little is treating you poorly or acting as if their needs should always come before yours, please talk to them about it. You don't deserve that

♡ Your feelings, emotions, and experiences are valid

Sincerely,

Another Caregiver

Mommies Are Just as scared as YOU

Some times I think this bubble is put around mommies/daddies to be “perfect” to have everything under control and it’s unrealistic.

Mommies want the best for their littles, we love making you happy, but sometimes we are just as scared and unsure as you are.

We sometimes sit and think about ways to keep you happy, entertained, feeling loved, and appreciating you as a little.

We too get nervous when we know you’re around or know you’re coming because we want to do what’s best for you.

I some times find myself talking with my little boy and feeling like “jeez what if I’m not fulfilling his needs? What if he needs more exciting activities? What if I dont give enough structure? What if I have too much structure? When should I be assertive? What is the best option for him?”

These things run through your mommies /daddies heads daily. Remember littles, we love the aspect of being that guide for you but that does not mean we will be perfect. We will have hiccups and we will get frustrated. BUT we will always love you :)

Hi little one! Hmm I think someone is feeling tiny today. Are you feeling tiny my giggling sweetheart? Can you please tell me how old you’re feeling? Oh? No? You can’t? Hmm. Maybe you could show me with your fingers? Oh, that is very tiny. You’re so adorable when you’re smol sweetie. You need your paci and your bottle. Do you want me to pick out your paci and bottle for today? Of course, little one. I love to take care of you. Here’s your paci! Uh oh…was that a yawn that I heard? It sounds like someone is feeling a little sleepy? Oh? You’re not? Hmm well how about I read to you some stories and you can rest your head on my chest? Would you like that? I’d like that too. I love taking care of you my sweet little one.

I think toy doctors are so nice actually like i remember being a little heartbroken kid when one of my beloved stuffed animals got old and torn up and my mom just threw him out. And i know what it would have meant to me, to have someone lovingly stitch him back up instead so i could love him just a little longer. And I’m really glad there are little kids out there who get to see pictures of their stuffed animals and dolls with little fake hospital beds and casts as they “rest & heal” before returning to them good as new. Like what a sweet thing to do with your life.

This is so nice 🥺

It’s also so good for normalising the idea of illness, hospitals and recovery not being bad or scary places, even if sometimes they’re not very nice, because the people there are doing kind things to make you better so you can go back home. No one knows which kids are going to end up dealing with major traumatic illnesses or injuries, and having a safe framework for the idea of a hospital, a safe, painless, vicarious hospital experience is such valuable preparation

not gonna cry not gonna cry not gonna cry not gonna cry not gonna

Signs That I'm Regressing:

✭ Rubbing my eyes

✭ Grabby hands

✭ Tiny happy squeals

✭ Hiding my face

✭ So many giggles

✭ Lots of fidgeting

✭ Mumbling

✭ Shortening words

✭ Clinging to CG

✭ Being a silly goose

✭ Pouting

*✧･˚✭*sғᴡ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ*✭˚･✧*

Why is my little one looking so sad? Hm? Oh I see. You’re sad because the sun is setting earlier now? That’s okay, little one. Do you want a hug? I would love to give you a hug. What can I do to help you feel better, baby? Hmm you don’t know? I have an idea. Let’s go grab the pillows. Yes sweetie! We’re going to build a pillow fort. Will you please go grab the blankets while I work on the pillows? Thank you so much sweetheart! It looks perfect now we just need to add the fairy lights. Hm…I think it’s missing something. I think it’s missing your stuffies! You go grab them and I’ll make us a snack. Of course, sweetie. We could sleep here tonight. Why are you thanking me? I love helping you feel better. I’m glad that I could help. I love you so much my sweet little one.

❥︎Tiny one

Aww, look at my tiny one, is someone tired? Does someone need a nap? Yeah? Well, come on baby, I'll take you for your nap. Here, make sure you have your paci and sippy. Would you like to watch cartoons to fall asleep too, or a story? A story? Would you like to choose one pumpkin? That's my favourite too! Let's snuggle up in bed whilst I read you this story so you can fall fast asleep. Sleep well sweetheart.