Let's Talk About Bratting!

What is bratting?

Bratting is a deliberate and playful challenging of power within a dynamic or scene.

Examples of bratting are phrases like "make me!", "what are you gonna do about it?", "that doesn't even hurt!"

Why do people do it?

There are lots of reasons why the brats be bratting. It can be a test of the Dom's willingness and endurance; how patient and dedicated they are to the brat. It can be in order to seek and receive retaliation or discipline from the Dom (often in the form of "funishments").

Personally, as someone who was not allowed to exercise back talk or defiance growing up, it can be an opportunity to flex your autonomy in a safe and controlled environment.

Still from "Submission" video, available on OnlyFans

How do you respond to a brat?

Depending on the brats desired outcome, they could be looking to get a rise out of the Dom. It is up to the Dom how they feel about and respond to bratty behaviour (and these things should be discussed between the involved parties OUTSIDE of a play scene, not in the heat of the moment). Generally, it is expected that the Dom maintains or regains power in some way.

Discipline: "Don't you talk back to me"

Punishment: "Now you've done it (insert impact, intense sensory play, isolation/sitting in a corner, verbal punishment/degradation)"

Out-brat the brat: "Is that all you've got?"

Disengage/Disempower: "Daddy's not going to play with you if you act like that"

Bratting is a cheeky and playful behaviour, but not everyone is up to the task of managing the defiance - it's important to develop trust and understanding when engaging with/in bratty behaviour to make sure things don't get out of hand!