mistersbeard.tumblr.com presents : THE DDLG IDENTITY CRISIS: Figuring out who we are.
I get a lot of questions from people concerning something that I would like to call ddlg identity crisis.
This is something that happens when you know that you are into the lifestyle or attracted to it, but you can not quite figure out where you fit into it. You enjoy some elements of this… Some elements of that… But you can’t truly find your place because of the things that you see on other blogs, in other people’s postings and pictures, and the way that they act.
One way to get closer to the root of the answer you are searching for is a simple concept that is involved with in the lifestyle… And we will examine that concept in this post.
Regression vs. Role play
Focus: regression
Most commonly within this lifestyle, there exists something called a regression age. This is the age at which you regress to in some way in order to feel little or that place you feel that you are when you are in little space. Commonly, it is a time that you regress to where things were more innocent and fun… And this typically takes place before something rather traumatic like divorce of parents, sexual abuse, death of a close loved one, mental issues, or anything else that could drastically change the behavior and coping ability of your brain. 
BDSM lingo: “Little space” - The moment(s) in which you feel like you are little or an age drastically well before your current adult age. In this head space, you are inclined to mentally and emotionally be in the head space of a variety of moments in your life, and may take on tendencies or actions of a younger time. 
With all of that in mind we will move on and discuss a few of the common roles that exist within our lifestyle. By roles… I mean most simply, the way that you identify yourself.
Another thing to understand is that this lifestyle, being ddlg, CGL, whatever you would like to call it… Is a subculture of BDSM in itself.
DD/lg - Daddy Dom & little girl CG/l - Caregiver & little
Both of the cultures share the same elements and both of them differ greatly from one another at the same time. But the fact of the matter is that this lifestyle is a sub root of the original trunk, being the BDSM kink. A very adult lifestyle, for actual adults. Therefore.. from the common standpoint, a little, middle, Prince, princess, and every other type of bottom in the relationship is submissive… While the daddy, Dom, and the one who tops or is in control, is by nature… dominant…. With the switch being a mix of both.
The little
In little space, this is an age of regression that is most commonly found to be between the years of 2 and 5..rarely later, and hardly ever earlier.. Littles enjoy pacifiers, stuffies, coloring books, being cared for completely, wearing clothing and accessories indicative of a toddler/little girl, not having to make any decisions, mental approach, taking baths, eating baby foods and foods geared towards little girls, and otherwise engaging in activities that a typical 2 to 5 year old would enjoy. Its my personal opinion that someone cannot regress anywhere before the age of 2 or 3, because your cognitive memory and science just doesnt support it.
The ABDL
The abdl (adult baby diaper lover) little is very closely related to the typical little and may at times identify at a younger age depending on who they are. They enjoy diapers, being diapered, and in some cases using their diaper.. wearing onesies or other baby related articles of clothing… and doing more babyish things.
This goes for both boys and girls…and others who identify as both, none, etc. Anyone of any gender identity can fill these roles.
And before you scoff at this idea, know this: Without ABDL, there would be no DDlg or CG/l. ABDL began the entire movement and without them we would not exist. So next time you encounter one, thank them and be grateful for their groundbreaking accomplishments in allowing our community to come to be.
The middle
The middle will typically and commonly identify their middle space, or their regression age, as being between the ages of 5 and 10. The middle still enjoys some elements of the little space… Such as coloring books, using little plates and silverware, having a bath being administered to them… But they typically do not go for diapers, pacifiers, or other things that toddlers or younger ages might enjoy.
The middle likes to be able to make a few decisions with supervision nearby… And she is confident that she can be on her own for short periods of time. She will typically dress a little bit older while still keeping that younger style at the same time. Very few middles still use a pacifier because in most cases they feel like they are little… but they are not drawn to those kinds of elements. Most middles still keep a stuffie… Though they may not keep an army of them nor do they need their stuffie all the time for comfort.
They may also occasionally revert back to little space having tantrums, playing with Daddy, or just basically finding a short amount of time to be in that space to engage in certain behaviors that satisfy them… But overall they spend their time in middle space when and if they regress.
The big/tween little/middle
Moving into an even older age bracket you will find the big little..tween little, who is basically between the ages of 10 and 15… And usually this is found within those adults who are in their late 20s or early 30s because they have progressed and grown inside.
Most commonly they will not enjoy coloring or really any kind of little elements outside of owning a stuffie or being cared for and told what to do… Given rules… And things of that nature.
Keep in mind… I speak from a point of commonality. Not every little or middle and whatnot will be as I have described, its just most common for them to be those ways… And at the roots all of these roles stem out of the submissive / slave role.
Submissives are most commonly found in roles such as health care, Children’s Services, and other places where they can help others greatly while still being under authority. They enjoy serving in great capacity.
The Dom/Master
The DOM is a most often a pure top(dominant) in the relationship and most typically and commonly operates himself with great discipline and strictness. Most of the time he will be very stern,cold, very to the point and exact, and will conduct himself in a manner in which he exudes complete control all of the time.
The Dom will typically not mess with a little but more so go for those who exhibit themselves to be pure submissives, slaves, and so on. He doesn’t so much enjoy shopping for little things, cuddling and talking about stuffies, or watching Disney movies… But more so goes for the adult nature of the relationship. He probably will not make you a bottle, change your diaper, or be very forgiving if you do something that a toddler would do.
He is more interested in stern discipline, stern structure, imposing himself in a way that proves and shows that he is an ultimate control, and will prefer total power exchange… sadism and masochism, etc.
Keep in mind that not all doms are like this, but rather I speak from the point of commonality.
The Daddy/Mommy( daddy dom,caregiver, big) The daddy finds his roots within the dom, but he has learned or cultured himself to be a lot more soft and forgiving. Typically he will enjoy things like cuddling, feeding you, catering to your needs, giving you a bath, buying you a stuffie and so on… While still instilling structure, rules and such, and other elements of the dom mental space into the relationship. A daddy is typically more nurturing and more lenient, understanding, and such. He will be strict but with limits… And is more prone to showing his soft side while still keeping control of the situation.
The daddy and the DOM and such are most commonly found in roles of management, self employment, military or law enforcement… construction and industry, and other places where they are either in control… Or have some form of control over others or themselves.
The switch
The switch is someone who enjoys a little bit of everything stated above. There are times when they prefer to be in control and top you… And there are other times when they prefer to be submissive and let go of that control to get their pleasure. There is no real set structure to the switch other than those elements of power reversal and trade. The switch can most commonly be found working in a position of authority or being responsible for something like family and the household at more times than others.
They are in so much control all of the time that they desire to let go of that control and be controlled themselves outside of where they are responsible. and then there is simply role play… And this is where you enjoy the fetish side of the lifestyle, being the clothing/aesthetic, the actions, and other elements… But you do not feel that any of these roles are what you actually are. You simply engage in them for the kink and the playtime.
The Gemini
The Gemini crosses lines between one and the other because they are so closely related to each of the roles involve. They could be little/middle, middle/big, little/kitten, etc…
The kitten/puppy/pet
The kitten, puppy, etc… is a form of the lifestyle in which the submissive takes on the role of a pet, an animal spirit and so on. They typically desire to act like/regress to, and be treated like some form of animal pet.
I say it that way because that could range anywhere from being a kitten to being something large and unconventional. Its dependent on how they identity. They will also often own the associated gear or desire it… collars, ears, a tail, etc… when in playtime or their headspace, they will take on the mannerisms and behaviors of the pet they identify with.
And do keep in mind this is a surface level overview.
Because YES… you can be a daddy sometimes, a little sometimes and everything in between sometimes.
The only limits in this lifestyle are the ones you impose upon yourself.
So now that you have an understanding of the basic roles at the core of this lifestyle, where do you feel that you fit in?
Now I have figured out, but how do I address my partner?
One of the most common things that I get goes a little something like this:
Do I have to call him daddy? Can I call him something else? Can I use the term sir? Can a female be called daddy? Can my mommy be called daddy instead? Is she little… is she a princess? What about kittens and puppy play?
The simple fact is, you can do whatever you like and works for your relationship.
Whatever is comfortable for you is comfortable for you and that’s unique to your relationship. Daddy is simply a common catch-all term that is a little more specific and less generic than the caregiver term. Caregiver is typically used for those who dont want to gender conform, or take on the masculine pronoun associated with being dominant.
And since the most common aspect of this dynamic has to do with Daddy dom little girl… It just ends up becoming the generic term. But that’s okay if you want to call your daddy Sir, or something else of your choosing… And that’s something that should be discussed it together.
The other side of this is in females or mommies or what not calling themselves daddy. Which is totally fine of course. With today’s ever-changing exploration of our sexual selves along with an ever increasing list of gender identity, we tend to find that we are things other than what we thought we were earlier in our lives… Or those who identify as being pansexual, and what not.
If you are a female in the caregiver role and you feel like Daddy is a comfortable term for you then by all means use it… Because really when it comes down to it there’s no rules behind what you should be called. Nobody sat and wrote a grand rule book about everything and it was decided that everyone was going to follow it…
We simply fall into place along common means according to the culture and sub culture in which we live in. Once you get close to the basic area of finding where you fit in, thats when you can fine tune things to settle into your spot.

Thank you for enjoying and reading this. Reblog it if you feel others would benefit, and comment on where you find your identity. Hopefully you now have a more clear understanding of where it is you land.
- Mister
Mistersbeard.tumblr.com
Questions and conversation always welcome on my Snapchat: Mistersbeard
I completed some major changes to the Library For Kinksters. Here is the update…
Aftercare
Aftercare 101
Aftercare For Dominants
Coping With Emotional Subdrop
Dom Drop
How To Make A Sub Drop Kit
Online Aftercare
sub/Dom Space, sub/Dom Drop and Aftercare
Subdrop and Aftercare
Subspace and Aftercare
Consent
Consent & BDSM
Guide to Consent
Doms, Daddies & Masters
7 Fundamental Characteristics of A Daddy Dom
12 Characteristics Of An Ideal Submissive
25 Things Daddies Should Do For Their Littles
30 Rules For A Modern Gentleman
45 Things A Girl Wants, But Won’t Ask For
50 Rules for Daddies
100 Sweet Things You Can Do For Your Princess
101 Things To Do To Make Your Slave Feel Owned (loved)
Alternative Names For “Daddy”
Alternative Domme Titles
Aspects Of Control
Asserting Ownership - Rules
Daddy Up!
Defining A Daddy Dom
Dominants Need Training Also
Fun Tasks Daddies Can Give Their Littles
Help For New Doms
How (and Why) To Go Down On Your Submissive
How To Be A Good Dominant
How to Find a Submissive
Knowing when to be a Dom and when to be her Man
New to DDLG - A Daddy Dom
Observations On Doms By A Submissive
So you want to be a Dom?
So Your Girlfriend Wants You To Dominate her
Some Little Rules All Daddies Should Know
The Dom Commandments
Things for Daddies to Keep in Mind
What Being A Dom Is About - A Submissive’s Perspective
What does the title Daddy mean?
What is a Daddy Dom?
What is a Daddy Dom Mentor?
What It Means To Be A Dominant
What Makes A Good Dominant
Littles, Subs & Slaves
6 Questions Every Submissive Needs To Ask Her Potential Dominant
7 Common Types of Submissives
10 Tips For Living With A Sadist
10 Things A Dominant Needs From A Submissive
11 Red Flags Of An Abusive Dominant
26 Baby Girl Jobs
50 Things You Can Do For Your Daddy
A Bottom’s Responsibility
A Dominant’s Advice To His Submissive
A Man Who Knows You…
A Good Dom vs. A Bad Dom
Acid Test For Subs
Ask A Million And One Questions
Attraction to DD/lg: A Little’s Perspective
Baby girl or little? A brief introduction
Care and feeding of Daddies
Characteristics Of A Good Daddy
Coaxing The Daddy Dom Out Of Your Partner
Feminist Submissive
Finding Your Dominant
Good Rules For Middles and Littles To Live By
Guide For Young Newbie Sub Girls
How a Dom Behaves Shows How He Will Behave Towards You.
“How do I find Daddy?” A guide to help you safely find the Daddy you’re looking for.
How Does A Submissive Ask for Something from Their Dominant?
How To Find A Dom
How to Take Proper Care of Your Dom
I Solemnly Swear I Will Not Do This To Daddy
Novice Submissives
Physical abuse of littles - it is never OK
Signs Of A Fake ‘Dominant’
Stuff no one tells you about submission, until the spreader bar is on and you are trapped.
Submissives, Learning to Trust Your Instincts
Submissive Pride
Submissive Traits - Intelligence
Things My Dream Daddy Would Say To Me
What is a Little?
When newbie subs, with asinine “doms,” need to run away.
Why I call him Daddy
Your Rights As A Submissive
Long Distance Relationships
10 Ways To Survive A Long Distance Relationship
Getting The Most Out Of A Long Distance Relationship
How To Make Long Distance Relationships Work
Long Distance Relationships - Tools To Cope
Long Distance Relationships (LDR) Contemplation: Sticking with plans
The Long Distance D/s Relationship
Mental Health
BDSM practitioners ‘healthier and less neurotic’ than ‘vanilla’ peers
Body image & BDSM
How to Get Over Feeling Sad
Is BDSM normal?
Love your Vulva – a self-esteem guide to your sensitive bits!
Managing bipolar disorder in a D/S relationship
Meditation And Mindfulness
On Cutting
Steps For Letting Go of Painful Memories
Things to Do When You’re Anxious, Scared, or Just Need a Distraction
Tips for Recovering from Codependency
What Are Anxiety Disorders? (Infographic)
Why Do I Feel Unloveable?
Relationships
10 Habits of Happy Couples
10 Top Communication Mistakes
10 Types of Emotional Manipulators
12 Relationship Truths We Often Forget
50 Best Ways To Say “I Love You”
BDSM Breakups: All Good Things Must Come to an End
BDSM: Control Goes Both Ways
Collars and Collaring - A Personal Perspective
Communication Is Key
Concept Daddy Dom/Little Girl Relationships
Daddy Doms and their little girls
Daddy Doms, Baby Girls, Little Boys And More
Date Night In A Jar
DD/lg In Public
D/s and Domestication
Factors That Make A Relationship
Finding Love When You Least Expect It
Finding Others with Common (Adult) Interests
How To Be Present In Your Relationships
How To Build A Healthy Relationship
How To Get What You Want In A Relationship
How To Know When You’ve Found “The One”
How To Take Your Relationship To The Next Level
Importance Of Confidence In RelationshipsImportance Of Trust In A Relationship
Key Ingredients of a Happy and Healthy Relationship
Needy Girls Are Daddy Dom Bait
Relationship Advice To Follow, And What To Ignore
Searching for a D/s partner?
Self-Fulfilling Prophecies In Relationships
Stop Arguments Before They Start
The Rewards of a Submissive
Types Of Relationship Insecurity
Well-Balanced Power Exchange Relationship
What Is Real Love?
When He Doesn’t Call
Why Love Makes A Night Of Kink Even Better
Safety
Another life ruined because of the morality police
Bondage Basic Safety: Crops, Paddles & Bondage!
Kinks, Risks, How To And Why Sometimes You Shouldn’t
Limits in BDSM
What is Emotional Abuse?
Self Improvement
10 Tips for Creating a Happier Life
10 Steps To Self Care
10 Ways To Be Happy
10 Truths To Live By
Guaranteed Ways To Be More Attractive
How to be Yourself
How To Deal With Your Enemies
How To Ignore Haters
How to Recognize a Toxic Friend
How to Stop Being a People Pleaser
Slut Shaming Explained
Tips for Healing a Broken Heart
What are the Signs of a Jealous Friend?
Sex
50 Cunnilingus Tips from Women
Basics of Breath Play
D/s or Kinky Sex?
Fetishes Explained
How To Make A Girl Squirt
How To Tell Your Son About Sex
Intersection of BDSM and Queer Heterosexuality
Sensual Biting
Sex: Myths & Stereotypes
Sex: Practical Details
Sex: Pregnancy and Birth Control
So You Want To Try Anal? A Practical Guide For Women
Squirting Educational Video
Squirting Notes
Toys
Advice on Dildos and Buttplugs
BDSM on a budget
Bondage Rope: How To Choose Yours (And More)
Training
10 Considerations for Inexperienced Subs
30 Things You Can Do For Your Human Kitten
40 Very Important DD/lg Facts
Age Play: A Short Guide
BDSM for Beginners: Safe and Affordable Play
DEFINED: SSC (Safe, Sane & Consensual) & RACK (Risk Aware Consensual Kink)
Etiquette in BDSM Part 1
Etiquette in BDSM Part 2
Exploring the D/s Lifestyle: Part 1 - Beginnings
Exploring the D/s Lifestyle: Part 2 - The Dominant Mind
Glossary of BDSM Terms
Guide To Blood Play
Guide To Bruising
Guide To Talking Dirty
Guide To Wax Play
How Do I Get Started In BDSM?
How to Make a Blanket Fort/Cuddle Nest
How To Make A Comfort Box
Introduction To BDSM
Newbie’s Guide To Vaginal Fisting
Punishments in BDSM Relationships
Red Flags For Online BDSM Relationships
Some Thoughts On Rules
The Leash Has Two Ends - Responsibility
The Need For Rules and Discipline
Topping from the bottom
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