The Dentist, a Cozy Moment, and a Mindset Shift Every Mom Needs

This morning I had my 6-month cleaning at the dentist.

I don’t hate the dentist, but I don’t love it either. A few years ago, I read in a magazine that boutique dentists were popping up in big cities, and I couldn’t have picked up my phone any faster. I live in a big city for New Hampshire, but I didn’t expect to find anything.

To my amazement, I found one lone Google review about a local office with TVs on the ceiling and... wait for it... massaging chairs. Cue the drooling... and not just because it’s the dentist.

I immediately switched my care. That was 3 years ago. Since then, I’d convinced myself the reviewer made it up, or had confused it with another place. Sure, the chairs were soft. Sure, the TVs on the ceiling were cute. But no massage.

And I was not about to ask. I didn’t want to be looked at like I had four heads, especially right before they asked if I floss every day. (I do.)

Fast forward to today. My hygienist brought me to a new room and casually handed me a remote: “This controls the heat and massage features.”

I. Was. Floored.

This wasn’t like a pedicure chair with the bar that jabs your spine. Just a soft vibration that melted all the tension in my back. When she came back, I half-joked, “The only thing that would make this better is a cozy blanket.”

She didn’t miss a beat: “Oh, we have them! They’re just across the hall. Want me to grab one?”

And here’s the moment I want to remember: I almost said “oh no, don’t worry about it.” Even with all the mindset work I’ve done, I still default to people-pleasing. I’m still unlearning the belief that it’s a burden to let someone help me.

But I caught myself. I want my new default to be: Yes. Thank you. I’ll take the blanket.

And girl. That blanket completed the experience. I closed my eyes. Melted into the chair. Reached a meditative state. It was as close to bliss as it gets at the dentist.

I have 2 morals to this story:

• If there’s a “have to” in your life that could become a get to with a little creative effort, do it. Don’t wait. Hop on Google and find a better way. (I’m also switching my kids to a sensory-friendly dentist with a comfort dog. I’ll report back.)

• Accept the help.
  If someone offers support, it probably isn’t a big burden. Let them. You’ll get your turn to give back. You’ll be the one who lets the mom with a toddler cut in line.
  You’ll help someone carry their groceries.
  You’ll offer your seat to someone who needs it more.
  But today... let yourself be supported, too.

So here’s what I want to offer you:

You deserve to feel cared for, without guilt, without justification.
You’re allowed to receive support, even when you don’t “need” it.
And when you say yes, you give others a chance to give.

A grounding question to remind you who you are:
Where are you still saying “I’m fine” instead of “Yes, please”?

Sending you big hugs,
Krissy 💛

P.S. A couple things you won’t want to miss:

🎧 This week on the podcast:
I sat down with Rachael Shepard-Ohta, founder of Hey Sleepy Baby. She shared her journey into motherhood, one that didn’t look the way she imagined, and reminded me (and hopefully you) that sleep, regulation, and rhythms aren’t always within our control.
Sometimes we just need to be a little easier on ourselves.
→ Listen here

Rachael will be back next week to share more from her expertise on sleep. You’ll want to catch both episodes.

📅 Free workshop coming up:
Becoming More Than Mom
🗓 11/13/25 at 8:00 PM ET
RSVP & more info → Auggie Event Page

❤️ Mom Identity Starter Kit Early Access:

I’m offering 2 people free early access to the Mom Identity Starter Kit.
If you’re interested in receiving any (or all) of the workshops (Find Your Thing, Find the Time, Make it Happen) for free in exchange for your honest feedback, just reply to this email and let me know.

I’ll be selecting reviewers by Friday.