Glad that you've been able to come to terms with it and enjoy yourself dude! Everyone's different, ya don't have to fill any specific mold.

Thank you Zyer <3 It's been interesting to try on new hats and see what fits and also what doesn't, and to be okay with the ones that don't!

I'm so happy for you!

That's the wonderful thing about this "Little" experience...it's all your own to experience and express however you feel is right.

It's always changing and evolving as well.

*hugs*

Swifty

Thank you so much Swifty! It's true, it isn't a one-size-fits-all, and I'm happy being an independent adult who just enjoys an afteroon of coloring and cartoons once in a while!

There's definitely a lot more folks embracing their kid-fur side these days, so you'll have lots of friends to play with at the Discovery Zone! :D

Omg I never got to go to Discovery Zone, I watched the commercials for that place with ENVY! Give me a chance at an adult version and I am SO IN xD

It definitely seems like a top dream location for all the kidfurs I know! I'd be sitting back at the table with the other grown-ups, trying to read my book. XD

You're perfect and wonderful the way you are! And honestly, your unique flavors, the ones that come out in your art, they're wonderful and fill in a gap that I think is really important and beautiful for people to see!

I also struggle with the community. All my art is happy or adorable, or just neutrally diaper-related. But I can't really draw or own what appeals to me most.

In reality my infantilism/little side is heavily based on abuse, neglect, and abandonment trauma. I want to draw sad "orphany" things, I want to draw rescues, I want to tell people who the real me is, I want to roleplay or interact with people in a more somber way than most people will understand or be comfortable with.

And you know, I think most people won't get it or won't engage. They're littles to be happy, I'm a little to be recognized for sad things. I'm never sure what to do about all of it.

You are not alone in this at all. My childhood was abusive and neglectful and I struggled throughout my life with abandonment trauma as well. Several of my closest littlefur friends are also in that same boat, and at least three of them that I can think of have literally said the same thing - that they want to explore those darker and painful themes in their art but they're afraid people won't connect with it or be comfortable with it.

I am a little to be happy and nostalgic, yes - but it's also my way of giving my inner child the love, patience, and affirmation that he lacked as a child. I'm saying "yes" to that child when before I was always told "no". And while I haven't explored the sadder sides of my childhood in my art, a lot of my personal work reflects darker themes. I have a deep appreciation for those who share this vulnerable and raw side of themselves through littlefur artwork, and I think there are more littles out there who would relate to and feel affirmed by your expressions of this part of you, if you do one day choose to create it <3

Oh my god, that means so much to me. Maybe you're right. Maybe there's a lot of people who would feel seen, feel better, if they saw emotional drawings of kids in hospitals, or floating in baskets, or being rescued by police, or being cried over, or having their teeth brushed by emergency foster family. The kind of stuff I imagine, that I feel. Maybe I should really consider it.

I'm so glad I could validate your feelings in some way! I'm going to delve into some deeper work myself soon, although it will likely be through my main account, rather than this one, as it would be more tied to my main sona and characters. I 100% believe there would be people who connect with all of the subjects you mentioned, who have self-soothed with fantasies about rescue, fostering, or just working through their emotions through characters experiencing the hurt that they experienced. Your art is for you, first and foremost <3 Let yourself speak through it in the way that feels right for you!

I think that you're doing great! Embracing your inner kiddo is something that I've always struggled with, personally. But that's ok, cuz everyone has their own ways of doing it, and I'm glad that you're finding yours!

Thank you so much Tibbles, it means a lot to hear from another little who's struggled with how to embrace and experience being little. I felt like because I couldn't fully "let go" and be a full-blown kid that I was "failing" in some way, or missing something. I think I just like doing kid stuff while being adult-brained at the same time! And I've found I really like to be the "big brother" who can help others feel safe and protected <3

It is understandable that it was difficult at first to feel "in the vibe", but you truly are bringing something to the fandom and you bring people together through your art, you can be proud of yourself! Being a kid(d) at heart is one of the softest, kindest and best things you can do to yourself 🩵

Thank you Samar, I really loved drawing you and Shoko in that "first day of school" portrait so much. I feel like I am like Shoko, the encouraging older sibling type! I love being the big kid, the braver role model who helps his friends to feel safe and affirmed. I'm happy and proud to be the protector and healer for my own inner child, it has made me both strong and soft and kind <3

the one thing i know that's cuter than cute animals, is cute baby animals!!! i look forward to seeing a lot of those from you <3

HECK YES~ Thank you so much, I have all the intentions to continue to deliver! :D

I'm glad you're happy the way you are!
Honestly, I don't regress either, and I have no interest in being a "baby" I like being a kid. I rather eat next to my partner with my favorite plate and cup vs being fed in a highchair or anything. And also most of the time I'm not even really thinking about it, it's just what I like, I'm not really roleplaying either.

All of us are just having fun the way we want, and don't have to follow and script or rules set for us online or any expectations.

Thank you Kipa! That sounds so much like me too! I like fun cups and plates, and I just enjoy doing simple crafts, putting together a puzzle, stuff like that - often with friends, while our conversations still delve into day-to-day life and whatnot xD I feel like I'm still an adult, I'm just allowing myself to have fun with the things I liked doing as a kid, and those things often help me unwind, destress, and inspire future work!

I'm just glad to see you back and opening up again <33

Thanks Milo <3 I've appreciated that you've always been there across all the platforms over the years, no matter what I'm drawing at the time <3

<33333 always.

I really resonate with what you've posted here. I like the idea of being in a little headspace and being immersed in that, but it's not something I can do and I don't want that to take away from the enjoyment and fulfillment of doing little things!

You're absolutely right. It's okay to enjoy it the way you are and I'm so glad to hear that you're finding yourself!

- a friendly fellow kidfur