DDLG Dynamics: What's Your Daddy Identity?

Regardless of the Daddy style that most appeals to you, becoming a father with a great deal of responsibility. These are only a few of the several ways fathers can show their love and authority over their children.

One of the softer and more subtle types of BDSM is probably the DD/lg (Daddy Dom/little girl) relationship dynamic, in which the "Daddy" frequently acts as a mentor, nurturer, and protector to their "little."

The precise power dynamics of a DD/LG relationship, however, might change based on the people involved and what suits them best. Not all littles are entirely subservient, and not all dads play a rigidly authoritative role (see Brat). Instead, a DD/LG relationship usually entails a balance between both partners' authority, caring, and vulnerability. Many people, including myself, are drawn to this dynamic because of the power dynamics and degree of responsibility involved.

Here's a breakdown of what it means to be a Daddy and examples of the various types of Daddies in case you're interested in starting a DD/lg relationship with your current partner, are already in one and are unsure of how you identify your role, or want to explore the dynamics involved.

What is a Daddy?

An archetype in romantic and sexual relationships, a "Daddy" is a person who identifies as authoritative or domineering. Anyone of any gender can be authoritative or dominant despite the fact that these qualities are frequently connected to men or masculinity.

According to Natasha Marie Narkiewicz, Head of Content at the pleasure brand MysteryVibe and a sex expert, "Anyone can be a Daddy— period the end." According to Narkiewicz, "this Daddy archetype may provide their significant other with support, guidance, nurturing, or discipline in many ways." When it comes to some aspects of life or the bedroom, their partner usually identifies as submissive and submits to their "Daddy."

While some people might only ever act as Daddy in the bedroom or on occasion, others might take on the role full-time and live a 24/7 lifestyle.

What makes a Daddy? 

The finest thing about being in a relationship is the ability to choose the terms and what suits you both. The same rules apply to becoming a father figure.

Depending on their desires and their children's requirements, fathers can assume a range of roles and duties. While some fathers may be more soft and caring, providing their children with emotional support and guidance, safety, and stability (financially, physically, or both), others may be more dominant and authoritative, establishing clear standards and expectations.

The "Daddy" title refers more to the power dynamic and caregiving position than it does to actual age or parental relationship, but age play may play a part in some DD/LG relationships.

Bird's resident sexologist and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, Suzannah Weiss, believes there are no restrictions on who can be referred to as "Daddy." "If doing it makes you feel good or turns you on, then go for it."

Types of Daddies

The following are some of the most prevalent Daddy archetypes, while there are hundreds of ways to be a Daddy, whether in a DD/lg dynamic or not:

Teddy Bear Daddy 

A softer, more loving relationship is preferred by the Teddy Bear Daddy, who approaches power in a more caregiver manner. Even while they may provide both physical and emotional support (such as a shoulder to weep on or assistance with little chores like opening jars, according to Narkiewicz), they continue to hold a position of power.

Weiss goes on to say, "They are a loving, caring Daddy who may be huge but is warm and fuzzy inside. "This father would participate in more nurturing activities, like dressing the child, taking them to the park, or otherwise spoiling and caring for them.

Disciplinarian Daddy

Control, regulations, and penalties are the Disciplinary Daddy's main concerns. They might use disciplinary measures in the relationship, the bedroom, or every area of the child's life (e.g., spanking, giving instructions, name-calling, giving them a time out, etc.). The main method they use to exercise their power is punishment.

Narkiewicz notes that while some Disciplinarian Daddies can be loving and caring, discipline is their preferred way of asserting their authority. "These Daddies tend to attract brats or masochists as their partners because punishment or discipline is the meat and potatoes of this dynamic," she says. "This relationship dynamic is created in a way that reminds their partner all the time who is in charge or has the final say in the relationship."

It's crucial to remember that this kind of relationship is voluntary and that the child actively participates in setting boundaries and giving feedback to ensure that they feel secure and at ease.

Weiss suggests that "a conversation should be held in advance about what the little does not want in terms of punishment, especially in terms of what names may offend them."

Cold and Distant Daddy 

On the other extreme, some fathers could adopt a more aloof, uncaring, or even careless demeanor. These fathers may use words as weapons, such as expressing disappointment in their relationship.

According to Narkiewicz, "they may also employ physical behaviors, such as removing their physical touch or affection, to elicit an emotional response to appeal to their partner's submissive nature." "Their submissive partner works even harder to please them because they tend to project an aura that they are unapproachable or impossible to please."

Not all distant and cold daddies, however, are so grave. "Someone can play with this and combine it with Disciplinarian Daddy — for example, by telling the little they need to be a good girl to get Daddy's approval," Weiss explains. "This concept can be humorous, sexy, and even therapeutic because it resonates with many people on a personal level."

Once more, there is nothing fundamentally harmful or abusive about the Daddy dynamic. Like any other relationship, DD/LG relationships need to be characterized by open communication, continuous consent, and boundary respect.

Dad Joke Daddy

The Dad Joke Daddy, on the other hand, plays the part of a father with more humor, fun, and absurdity. These daddies love to act sillier, spout cheesy dad jokes, and adopt a more humor-based disposition.

Weiss remarks, "It is obvious that he is making a great effort to amuse the small and bring them joy."

The Professor/Mentor Daddy

For some fathers, the true allure is the chance to mentor and care for their children in their personal and professional lives, including the bedroom. These fathers are known as professors or mentor daddies.

"Whether they are teaching their partner about what they already know or taking the initiative to learn new things together, they may enjoy engaging in an educational way," adds Narkiewicz. Their ultimate goal is to assist their partner in developing new abilities or information. This father could be more fussy and fix both minor and significant errors, including spelling, pronunciation, precise definitions, etc.

On a lighter note, a Professor/Mentor Daddy might read to his young charges, assist them with "homework," or participate in other educational role-playing activities.

Princess's Daddy

Their tiny one is showered with gifts and affection by the princess's father. They decide to pamper and care for their princess, giving them encouragement, support, and attention when required. This could entail preparing their children's favorite meals, bringing them on excursions, purchasing new clothing or toys, or attending to all of their needs in the bedroom. (Although there may be some parallels, this DD/LG dynamic is not the same as a Sugar Daddy/Sugar Baby relationship.)

The term "princess" conjures up a picture of a pampered brat or a royal with a superior attitude. According to Narkiewicz, a princess's father may adore, spoil, and indulge their "princess." "This is an intriguing dynamic because the father may share dominance in the relationship with their demanding princess partner."

In other respects, this father is authoritative despite the fact that they treat their child in a submissive manner.

Brave Knight Daddy

Like a Brave Knight, some daddies might adopt a more heroic, noble persona. This kind of dad takes inspiration from the hero or savior concept and protects in more dramatic ways than other daddies, either physically or emotionally.

"Their job is to make their partner feel safe and to suspend judgment as needed for that dynamic," explains Narkiewicz.

This could entail literally "rescuing" their child from peril, but it could also entail protecting them from psychological or emotional trauma.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of the Daddy style that most appeals to you, becoming a father with a great deal of responsibility. These are only a few of the several ways fathers can show their love and authority over their children.