#sfw petre
♡ Doctor baby ♡
The scratch was hardly something I myself would have noticed, but at the sight of the raised red patch of skin on my hands, your eyes had grown wide with concern, and after several moments of fussing, I found myself sat down in your home doctors office. You laid out all of the supplies on the table in front of us, and with a careful hand, you washed off the scratch and applied a bandaid on the top.
“There you go, Sissy!” You exclaimed as you stuck the bandaid in place, “I fixed your booboo, so now you can feel all better!”
You gently kissed my bandaged hand, and with a smile, I lifted my free hand to ruffle your hair. “Thank you for fixing me up bubs, what on earth would I do without you?”
With a giggle and a grin, you lean in for a hug, “I don’t know what I’d do without you either Sissy”
♡ Thunderstorm Blues ♡
Rain poured down onto the metal roof of the house as thunder and wind rattled the shutters and panes of the house, creating a cacophony of noise both in and out of the house.
Almost silently, the door of my bedroom opened, and in you slipped, wrapped tight in a blanket, the textured soles of your footy pajamas squeaking softly as you padded across the floor to the side of the bed. “Bubby?” You whispered softly, your voice almost inaudible amount the clatter of the storm. “Bubby, I’m scared.”
I sat up in bed and flipped on the light, opening my arms for you to settle into. As you settled in, I ran my fingers through your hair, kissing the top of your head as I went. “You know little one,” I whispered, “I know the thunder can sound real big and scary, but when it stops, storms bring a lot of good things to the world, and thinking about that can make it seem a lot less scary in the moment.”
You looked up at me with big curious eyes and snuggled further into my lap, “what sort of good things?” You asked, the nervous wobble in your voice lessening slightly.
“Well,” I smile down at you, “the storm will help the flowers to grow, and all the ponds and streams will be filled with more water, so the animals have more to drink. And then, once all the rain falls, the clouds will go away, so we can have warm sunny days again!”
A smiled flashed quickly across your face, “I guess you’re right,” you agreed hesitantly, “but can I still stay with you tonight?”
With a warm smile I laid back down and gestured for you to join me, “of course little one, you’re always welcome, any time at all.”
♤ Caregiver diaries, Part 3 ♤
How to help a little who is struggling to regress
Struggling to regress is incredibly common for regressors, and even if the regressor in question does not regress for days, weeks, or months because of this, they are still completely valid as a regressor.
However, it is completely understandable for a regressor to experience frustration as a result of this struggle, and as such, here are some tips that can be followed by any little, or suggested by any caregiver, in order to try and bring on regression.
Try utilizing all five of the senses in order to stimulate regression. This can help to make you feel physically smaller, and therefore, bring out your little headspace.
Taste: treat yourself to some “small snacks” (goldfish crackers, Gerber puffs, bits of cut fruits, etc) or some small drinks (your favorite juice, warm milk and honey, etc)
Smell: light a candle with a gentle calming scent (personally I suggest lavender, vanilla, or peppermint, but anything you find relaxing will work for you!)
Touch: surround yourself with textures you enjoy, as well as things that will help you to feel smaller(think comfort items, a soft blanket, some stuffies, or pillows)
Sight: put on a kids show or movie to enjoy and cozy in to watch it
Sound: look on Spotify for some little Playlist, or put on some relaxing instrumental music to enjoy
Try meditating
While meditating may not help a little to directly enter their headspace, it can help them to relax, and this relaxation can in turn help them to have an easier time slipping into their headspace.
And of course, always remember that even if you are having trouble regressing, you are completely valid as a little.
♡Valentines for Baby♡
I look on in adoration as the little one in front of me spreads out what seems like a never ending sea of craft supplies on the living room floor. It was almost valentines day, you had said to me earlier that day. Valentines day, your favorite day of the year! And of course, you had added firmly, Valentines day meant making valentines for all of your stuffie friends.
I kneel beside you, smiling down at all of the adorable beginnings of cards laid out before us. “Do you want me to show you how to make a special Valentines day card, little one?” You nod enthusiastically, eagerly passing me the paper and scissors you have been using. “I’m going to be showing you how to make a heart out of paper, okay? So you have to follow along super carefully to make sure you know what you’re doing.”
At long last, both hearts had been perfectly created, and I beamed with pride at the talented little artist beside me. “It’s perfect, you did so well!” I exclaim, and with a smile, you pull yourself up to stand beside me. “Thank you!” You lean in for a hug before whispering, “Can I have some sweets for doing such a good job?”
With a gentle shake of my head I lead you into the kitchen, after all, who could say no to such a talented, sweet little baby like you.
♤Caregiver Diaries, part two♤
How to help a little deal with nightmares
Nightmares can be very difficult for anyone to deal with, especially someone who is in a vulnerable headspace due to regression.
Some regressors may be pushed towards or further into their regressed headspace by nightmares, as they are feeling vulnerable and are looking for the comfort that often comes with a regressed state of mind.
Others may find that nightmares will push them out if, or further away from their regressed headspace, as it is often natural for the mind to reject vulnerability after a scary experience. If this is the case, do not pressure them to regress! This can cause unnecessary stress for them.
Remember, both of these reactions are perfectly normal, and one is not healthier than the other!
Helping a little who regresses in response to a nightmare.
1) The first and most important step is to reassure them and make sure that they know that while the dream might have been scary, it was just that, a dream.
2) Get them a glass of water, or have them get themselves a glass of water if you cannot be there physically. The cooling sensation of drinking it will help to ground them after a scary experience, and will help to level their heart rate and breathing.
3) When they get back in bed, have them bring an extra blanket if one is available. Being warmer while sleeping makes the occurrence of a nightmare much less frequent.
4) Have them set their favorite stuffie on their pillow as a guardian! A stuffie is always the best of protectors!
5) when they feel safe enough to go back to sleep, help to calm them down by singing, telling a story, or even putting on gentle music. This will help them to relax and drift off to sleep peacefully.
♤ Caregiver Diaries, Part One♤
Tips for new caregivers; setting rules
Much like with biological children, structure is key!
Setting rules or guidelines into place to help your little stay on track can be a great way to provide structure!
However, be sure to talk carefully with your little before putting any rules into effect to ensure that there will not be any violation of boundaries due to rules, and to make sure that they find the rules to be reasonable and fair.
In the end, the rules that are set into place will ultimately be up to you and your little, but if you are struggling to come up with ideas, here are some general ideas!
1) Make sure to eat three meals a day, and include at least two servings of fruits or vegetables!
2) Aim to be in bed by 10:30 to ensure you can wake up feeling refreshed and at a good time the next morning!
3) Make your bed first thing in the morning. This will help you to start your day feeling accomplished, and will help to keep a positive mindset about other tasks you must complete throughout the day.
4) Tidy up your room or space a bit before going to bed each night.
5) Make sure to take any medications or vitamins you may need!
6) If the little in question uses little gear that goes in their mouths, Make sure to clean your little gear at least twice a week to keep the germs away!
In order to keep your little on track with following rules or completing their everyday tasks, there are a variety of tactics you can use!
Try keeping a sticker chart and allotting a small treat upon the completion of the chart!
Have your little keep a daily planner to help with completion of tasks.
Or even giving your little gentle reminders throughout the day to keep them on track!
♡ Amusement Park Days ♡
Of course little one, we’ll go on every ride we can! Oh, yes we’ll get plenty of snacks too, don’t you worry! Funnel cake? Well, maybe we can get two of them… How could I say no to such a sweet angel? Whats that? A roller coaster? You’re so brave! I’d be more than happy to go with you love, and of course I’ll hold your hand if you get scared. Wait! Let’s get some sunblock on you before we go any further, we wouldn’t want you to get sunburned, now would we? I promise it’ll only take a second, we’ll get to have a whole day of fun after!
♡ Hide and Seek ♡
Five… four… three… two… one.. come out come out wherever you are! Hmmm… where could my sweet little bug have hidden? Behind the curtain? Under the bed? Oh, I know! You must be in the closet! Oh, nope, not in the closet either… well, you couldn’t possibly under those pillows on the bed… that couldn’t possibly be my little ones foot poking out from under there… well, I guess I better go check the kitchen now! Here I go, out the door and… Surprise! I’ve got you little one, you’re such a good hider, I’m so proud of you! Of course we can play again love, and of course you can play the seeker this time!
♡ S.R.O.T.M.S.U ♡
“And with that…” I gently tapped each of your shoulders with the wooden sword, “I proclaim you supreme ruler of the magic stuffie universe!”
You quickly jumped up to your feet, sending your paper crown fluttering to the ground, stumbling over your blanket cape as you scrambled both to catch your crown, and present yourself in a manner appropriate for a new ruler.
“My first rule as the Supreme Ruler of the Magic Stuffie Universe is that I get to stay up all night, no matter what you say Sissy!”
I raised an eyebrow, but nodded, after all, how could I say no to the Supreme Ruler themselves? “Of course your majesty,” I presented a low bow with a smile, “anything else that you desire as Supreme Ruler?”
You twisted your mouth into a tight pout, your eyebrows furrowed in concentration, “I want to be able to have as many stuffies as I want! And blankets too! Oh, and chocolate chips whenever I want them! And all the cuddles in the world!”
Even with all of your requests, it didn’t take long before you were curled up beside me on the couch, your cape tossed aside, and your paper crown folded neatly on the end table beside me. As I ran my fingers through your hair, your breathing began to even out, and I could tell within minutes you would be sound asleep.
“What do you think little bug? Is it time for the Supreme Ruler to go to bed?”
You shook your head, letting out a big yawn before responding. “Mm not tired yet Sissy, I gotta stay up all night, member?”
I chuckled, “Nope, just because you said you can doesn’t mean you have to, even leaders need to get their sleep. How about I carry you to bed and tuck you in? How does that sound little bug?”
You let out a hum of approval, and I scooped you up from the couch as gently as I could, quickly, yet carefully, transferring you from the living room to your nice cozy bed.
You were sound asleep, and with a gentle kiss to your forehead I turned off the lights and carefully walked towards the door, shutting it behind me. On the ground outside your room lay your paper crown, you must’ve clutched it in your hand and dropped it on the way from the living room.
I bent and picked it up, heading to the kitchen to find the tape to attach it to your door, after all, everyone should know which room belongs to royalty.
♤ Friendly Reminders ♤
Your regression is yours and yours alone, no matter how it looks, or how often you regress, your regression is valid and perfect.
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Setting boundaries as a caregiver is completely normal, and even healthy for everyone, your number one priority should be your own self, and you should never be ashamed of caring for yourself first.
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Its okay if your regression isn’t “aesthetic” and its okay if you enjoy things that don’t fit the standard mold of regression while regressed, regression is meant to be your safe place, allow yourself to enjoy what you want without placing outside expectations on yourself.
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You are not “too old” or “too big” or “too anything” for regression. Regression doesn’t have any boundaries for who can and can’t use it as a coping mechanism, and no matter who you are or what you look like, you are a perfectly valid regressor.
♡ Fairy homes ♡
The leaves were finally bursting out if their buds, and the sweet smell of flowering trees and plants filled the air, bringing with it thoughts of honey and outside naps and long days spent adventuring in the woods.
You and I had set out from our front porch about an hour ago, after packing all of the essentials of course, a blanket, a sippy for you and a water bottle for me, and naturally, a picnic lunch containing both of our favorite sandwiches and snacks.
You paused to peep into a hole in the side of a tree, “do you think that a fairy lives in there Sissy?”
“Well, maybe, but who knows? How about you and I stop for a little bit and make some fairy houses? Then we can go back and check to see if any moved in later on!”
You let out an excited squeak, “I’m gonna make the best house ever Sissy, there’s gonna be a fairy who moves in there for sure!”
The next few moments were spent carefully gathering materials for your fairy home, rocks for walls, birch bark for the roof, and the softest available moss for the floor and for patching together any gaps in the wall.
In the end, a large oak leaf formed the door, and you beamed with pride as you showed off your finished project. “I betcha thats never gonna fall down, you announced, giving the walls a gentle push, "I’m a professional fairy house maker!”
I knelt down to admire your work closer, “you did a wonderful job sweetheart, I bet a very happy fairy is going to move into that house one of these days!”
As we continued on our walk, the woods, so full of light and life seemed a little bit more full of magic and wonder. I watched as you ran ahead of me, prancing down the path, and for a second, I wondered if maybe, just maybe, the real magic in our woods came from the presence of such a sweet little angel like you.
♡ Littles Long Day ♡
Oh, I’ll get that for you love! Of course I don’t mind helping you at all love, there’s nothing I would rather do than take care of my sweet little angel, yep, really. Every day, I promise. Now, here you go, why don’t you make sure that lid is on your sippy cup nice and tight okay? Well aren’t you just the best little helper, I’ll tell you what, how about I get you all snuggled in on the couch, and I’ll put on your favorite movie? I won’t mind at all if you fall asleep love, you’ve had a long day! Okay, now, you just stay right there and I’ll make up a snack for my special little bug real quick, don’t start the movie without me though!
♡ Secret Mission 101 ♡
I had only just woken up and gone into the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee when I saw you creep around the corner, quickly scooting back a step when you saw me standing at the counter.
I quickly turned away from you, letting out an inquisitive sigh. “I wonder where my little one could be?” I asked, directing the question to no one in particular. “Certainly not sneaking into the kitchen, oh no, I know for a fact that my baby is still tucked into bed, snug as a bug in a rug!”
I heard you giggle behind me, and sniffling a laugh myself, I began sorting through the mail stacked neatly by the coffee pot. “Gosh,” I said, once again, definitely not to the sneaky little one who was by no means behind me, “it sure would be a shame if someone were to try and scare me right now, or, oh no, it might be even worse if someone were to sneak in here and find the secret stash of cookies I put in the cabinet above the dishwasher yesterday!”
You gave an excited gasp, and I heard the telltale squeaks of someone running across the kitchen floor to the dishwasher, quickly followed by muffled shushing as the cabinet squeaked open and you grabbed a handful of cookies from the jar, followed by silence.
I turned from the counter, ready to greet my sneaky baby, only to be greeted by an empty kitchen in front of me. “Hmmm…” I took a few steps forward, glancing around curiously, “I could have sworn I heard someone’s little feet in here just a second ago… it must have been a ghost, not my little angel!”
With that, the pantry door swung open, and out you jumped, grabbing me in a hug as you shouted an enthusiastic “Boo!”
With a laugh I returned your embrace, ruffling your hair and holding you close, “Ah, I see, so it was just you after all love bug, you got me good, you were so sneaky I never even knew you were here!”
You held your hand up with a smug grin, proudly displaying the cookies you had snatched from the secret stash above the dishwasher. “I was so sneaky I got cookies for breakfast without even having to ask you Sissy!”
With a shake of my head I took one of the extended cookies and dipped it into my coffee, “Well, I suppose everyone can use a treat for breakfast every now and then, isn’t that right love bug?”
You nodded solemnly, “Does that mean I can have coffee too?”
I paused, shaking my head slowly. “I don’t think a little one with as much energy as you have needs coffee for breakfast, how about we get you some chocolate milk instead, okay?”
♡ Froggy Friend ♡
Whatcha got there sweetheart? A frog? Oh, its a prince? A prince in disguise? Well silly me for not noticing that right away, but now that I’m looking closer, you’re definitely right love, this frog is definitely a prince. Now love bug I’m not quite sure you want to go and kiss a frog, even frogs who are princes can be germy! How about we take him back over where you found him and let him go okay? Oh, you’re right love I’m sure he’s got a frog princess somewhere in that pond! And you, of course you’re my sweet little royal! The royalist little baby that the world has ever seen, frog friend or not!
♤ Caregiver Diaries; part 6 ♤
Healthy snack ideas for little space
Taking good care of your body so that you can be strong and healthy is super important, even while your regressed! It can be tricky though to make big meals while small though, so here are some healthy (and easy!) snacks that you could make for yourself while regressed!
Nut butter and apple sandwiches *
- Gather your bread, nut butter, and apple
- Slice your apple
- Spread your nut butter on the bread
- Layer your apple slices over the nut butter
- Close your sandwich and enjoy!
Ants on a log*
- Gather your celery, raisins, and nut butter
- Slice your celery
- Spread your nut butter in the scoop of the celery
- Top with raisins and enjoy!
Ritz crackers with cream cheese and jelly
- Using a spoon, place a small dollop of cream cheese on your cracker, and top that with a bit of jelly.
“Everything snacks”
- Gather your favorite “snacks”
- Toss a bit of each into a bowl and enjoy them all together!
Baby carrots and hummus
Strawberries drizzled with lemon/orange juice
Pretzel and cheese skewers *
- Slice your cheese
- Place a pretzel stick through the cheese like a toothpick and enjoy!
Seasoned oyster crackers
Dark chocolate dipped orange slices
- Peel your orange and separate the segments.
- Melt your dark chocolate in 10 second intervals in the microwave (be careful, it will be hot when it comes out!)
- Dip your slices into the chocolate, and allow them to dry, and then enjoy!
please note that suggestions followed by a * would require a knife to make, please do not attempt to make these snacks on your own if you are not in the proper headspace to handle such equipment!
Also! While it is important to make sure you get some healthy food into yourself everyday, remember that there’s nothing wrong with having sweets or treats throughout the day either!
Treating yourself is just as important as making sure you get some protein, eating isn’t a chore, its supposed to be enjoyable!
♡ Bunny Ears ♡
“Sissy?”
I looked up from my book to see you standing before me, an untied pair of sneakers stuck haphazardly on your feet. “Whats up little love? Do you need some help tying your shoes?”
You nodded, “I get all stuck up on the bunny ear part, it always falls apart and I was trying so hard Sissy, I really was but I just, I can’t do it and…”
“Hey, don’t fret little one,” I led you to sit down on the sofa, kneeling down so I could prop your feet up on my lap. “I’ll show you how to do it again, okay bubs? And I’ll show you as many more times as you need me to!”
You nodded, “can I try to tie the other one while you tie that one please?”
“Of course little one, now, do you remember the first step?”
You crinkled your nose for a second, the focus and determination clear on your face. “First we gotta cross them up, like this!”
“Thats perfect! Do you know what you do after that?”
You glanced down at the laces in your hands, and back at me, “No… thats where I always get all stuck up.”
“Well, here’s a little poem to help you out, okay little bug? Listen carefully okay, and watch what I’m doing, okay?
Bunny ears bunny ears, playing by a tree,
Criss crossed the tree, trying to catch me!
Bunny ears bunny ears, jumped into a hole,
Popped out the other side beautiful and bold!”
As I finished the rhyme, I looked down to see two perfectly tied shoes upon your feet, and up at your face to see a smile beaming with pride.
“I did it! I really did it all the way Sissy! Can you believe it?”
I smiled at you, my heart swelling with joy at the pride on your sweet little face, “Of course I can believe it love, you’re my smart little baby after all! Now, how about we get you a cookie, as a treat for doing so well with your shoes!”
♡ Just Little Things ♡
Why hello there my sweet little bug, you’ll never guess what came in the mail for you today! Yep, thats right, you got a package, just for you! Now, I kept this a secret because I wanted it to be a surprise, okay love? Are you ready? Okay! Go ahead and open it! Of course, its just for you! A brand new paci, its got your favorite animal on the center, you see? I’m so glad you like it! And of course we couldn’t just not get you a new stuffie while buying little things, that just wouldn’t be right, now would it? You have a name picked out already? Winnie? I love it angel, and I’m sure Winnie does too! Of course I’ll help you find a spot to display your new paci! And I bet Winnie will think your bed is very comfortable, you don’t have to worry about that silly! You’re very welcome little bug, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you like it.
♡ The Itsy-Bitsy Spider ♡
“Sissy! Sissy come quick, I need you!”
Upon hearing your cries I immediately leapt to my feet, running though the house and into the back bedroom in the upstairs hall, where I found you, and what appeared to be a spider, staring each other down with unwavering eyes.
The spider was small, hardly the size of pencil eraser, but nonetheless it had you cornered, pinned against the bathroom wall as though it was some sort of deadly beast.
I let out a sigh and gently scooped the spider up in my hand, walked over to the window, and placed it gently outside, ensuring that it was truly outside before I closed it back up.
Coming back to you, I wiped away a tear that had fallen from your eye, pulling you in for a hug. “You know little one, I know that spiders can be very scary when we don’t expect them to be here, but they’re just little bugs, just like caterpillars and worms. You don’t have to be afraid of them!”
“Do you think that was a friendly spider Sissy?”
I nodded, “of course I do little one! I think most spiders are very friendly, but you know what? Its okay to be a little nervous, so if you ever see one and you’re scared, just call for me and I’ll be right there to save the day!”
♡ Muddy Puppy ♡
Look at you! Oh my, my sweet little puppy must’ve had a lot of fun playing outside, hm? I’m so glad! Of course you’re the best pup in the world, but I think its time for a bath now, how about you? What? Puppies don’t get baths? Well I have to say I disagree little one, you’re tracking mud all over the kitchen! Lets get you cleaned up and then we can make a nice snack, you must be exhausted from all that running around! Would a bubble bath be more tempting to you? Thats what I thought! Now, I’ll go start the bath, of course I won’t forget the bubbles! Scooby Snacks? I think we have some! As soon as you’re out of the tub I’ll bring you some, don’t you worry! Lets just get you nice and clean before we worry about anything else little bug.
♡ Cranky Car Rides ♡
Oh, yes I know we’ve been in the car for a long time little one, how about you look in the bag I packed you and see if you can’t find a paci or a toy you’d like to entertain yourself with till we’re home? Oh, you don’t want a toy? Thats okay… how about you and I play a game? Let’s see, Abby Apple ate a…. now you keep the story going with words that start with b! Hmm, no games either? Okay! Do you want to listen to some music? You can put on anything you want little bug! Hm, no music either? Okay… I know! Look at that sign! There’s an ice cream shop right off the next exit! We can stop there okay? Yep! You can get anything you want, anything at all! Well, I don’t think a little baby like yourself needs ten whole scoops of ice cream, that would be a lot for anybody to eat! Let’s just see what they have on the menu, okay little love? I bet its going to be so much fun, and super duper tasty too!
