Family Memories that Will Last a Lifetime
Family is what life is all about, even when the calmest, most sane part of your family is the Mad Hatter!! Since family is what life is about, our blog focuses on how to make family life easier and more enjoyable! Check out some of our posts below!
Welcome to our new Mountainside Hideaway
October 23, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 2 Comments
My husband and I have played with the idea of owning vacation property for well over ten years. However, we…
The Importance of Journaling for Self-Care
August 14, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
The importance of journaling is undeniable. As a clinical psychologist who has been practicing for almost twenty years, I’ve learned…
It’s Back to College Time! Here’s what you need!
August 10, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
It’s time to get our adult-age kids ready for heading back to college soon. I can’t believe how fast the…
The Back to School Items Kids Want and Need
August 7, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Summer is quickly coming to an end, and it’s time to get ready for Back to School. This always brings…
The Best Family Activities in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
June 10, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you’ve not made the trip to Gatlinburg and/or Pigeon Forge yet, you are missing out! The area is beautiful…
Exciting Family Adventures at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg
May 28, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are fantastic family destinations in the midwest. There is so much to see and do…
The Top Six Reasons You Need to Visit Top Jump
May 16, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We love visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee! There is so much to see and do for everyone of…
How to Create Positive & Lasting Family Memories
February 25, 2022 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Let’s focus on creating positive and lasting family memories this year! During the Spring, we are often waiting for the…
The Perfect Gift Guides All in One Place!
November 14, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
With the Holiday Season being upon us, most of us have several people to find gifts for this year. We…
Mental Health Awareness: What Masks Do You Wear?
October 29, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
October is a great time to talk about the masks we all wear. All of us wear masks for a…
Happy Halloween Weekends at Holiday World
October 17, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 8 Comments
Looking for some fun and unique entertainment for your family this fall? Check out Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari! Holiday…
Money-Saving Strategies to Use Before the End of the Year
October 10, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 30 Comments
Finances can be a struggle for many different reasons. Maybe there has been a job loss or someone has become…
Top 4 Reasons to Vacation with Your Spouse
September 28, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 30 Comments
Forget date night! Go for date week! That’s my philosophy anyway! Life can be hectic and busy much of the…
The Best Stops in Yellowstone National Park
August 4, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 34 Comments
My husband, youngest son, and I went on a two-week out west road trip this past summer! It was absolutely…
Exciting Summer Activities at Home for Little Ones
July 31, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 10 Comments
Summer can be an amazing time for relaxing and enjoying time with family! It can also be stressful with all…
What I Didn’t Know or Expect with Adult Children
July 28, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Before I had kids, I envisioned cute babies, snuggles, and adorable outfits. I knew it would be a life-changing and…
Fun for All Ages at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
March 21, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
If you are looking for something fun the entire family will love when you are visiting Gatlinburg, then check out…
Mental Health Awareness: Self-Care is Essential
March 15, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 42 Comments
As a clinical psychologist, I have a long history of dealing with people struggling for all types of reasons. Depression…
The 5 Best Activities in Gatlinburg
February 6, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 38 Comments
So, what is there to do in Gatlinburg?!? What is there for adults to do in Gatlinburg? Are there things…
Mental Health Awareness: Communication Skills
January 30, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 43 Comments
Mental health issues have been near and dear to my heart for many years. I’ve been working in the mental…
Amazing Activities in Kentucky? You Have to Investigate Louisville Mega Cavern
January 24, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
As a mom of seven (and now a grandmother of five), I’m always looking for unique activities to do with…
nuiMOs
January 21, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
It’s time for the next adorable goodies available at ShopDisney.com! So keep an eye out to find your new favorites!!…
Fun Gift Ideas for Couples
January 15, 2021 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 41 Comments
The last year has definitely been stressful and challenging! It’s time to focus on the positives and enjoy the time…
Book Sale!
December 31, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Get yours while the sale is on! I’m running several New Year’s Promotions to get my book out to as…
5 Ways to Stay Entertained when Stuck at Home
November 27, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We know it’s difficult to keep kids busy when it’s too cold or too rainy to go outside or, now,…
Black Friday DEALS!
November 26, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
I love sharing deals, discounts, and any way to save money! My typical deals and discounts page is Amazing Good…
Preparing for the Holidays: Tis the Season for Giving
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
There are so many wonderful things about the Holiday Season and giving is one of those wonderful things! Typically, when…
300+ Things to do With Your Child Before Their 18th Birthday!
November 14, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
The time is so short. Check out these fun, family activities to do with your children before they become adults.…
10 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life NOW
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Check out this free download! Here are 10 simple ways to improve your life RIGHT NOW! Life is stressful for…
Top 5 Parenting Strategies
November 11, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 43 Comments
I am a mom/step-mom of seven and a clinical psychologist, so I have a lot of experience and training in…
The Top 6 Amazing Gifts for Families
November 8, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 58 Comments
Family gifts are some of the best presents you can give! They encourage family time and bonding. Plus, they are…
Let Me Reintroduce Myself
November 6, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
HI! I’m Melissa Jones. I started my Family Centered Life blog about eighteen months ago and have enjoyed sharing my…
Fun and Unique Gifts for HER!
October 27, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 42 Comments
Women (especially mom’s) are often the hardest people to buy gifts for. They are typically the ones that do all…
AMAZING Parenting Tips–Recap Edition!
October 24, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 25 Comments
I have had the opportunity to be a psychologist for over fifteen years, seeing thousands of clients throughout that time.…
Stocking Stuffers for TEENS
Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Teens….teens tend to be the most difficult to find stocking stuffers for. Teens often have expensive taste, so trying to…
Mental Health Awareness– Focusing on Depression & Anxiety
October 18, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 34 Comments
Mental health issues have been near and dear to my heart for many years. I’ve been working in the mental…
And She Said YES!
October 13, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
And so the next journey begins……. My life (and our blog) focuses on family! Family is everything to me and…
The Best MUST READ books to Learn, Grow, and Improve Your Life
October 12, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
The following books are some of my favorites! They are books I recommend for my children and grandchildren, friends, and…
Prime Day 2020 Ultimate Guide
October 4, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 1 Comment
********This post will be constantly updated from now until the end of Prime Day! Keep checking back for the most…
5 Parenting Hacks for Less-Stressed Parenting
September 8, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 3 Comments
As parents, we tend to be stressed! We are juggling home, work, family, kids, finances, and much, much more! We…
5+ Creative Ways to Reduce Stress
July 21, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 1 Comment
Life is stressful and only seems to get more stressful each day. Given all the changes this year has brought,…
How Can I Help My Child Read Better?
July 1, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
ABC Mouse is for children age two through eight. It teaches children reading basics, math skills, and other educational information…
Parenting Tips for ALL Moms!
June 22, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Our newest addition to Family Centered Life is our new Facebook group: Parenting Tips for ALL Moms! This group is…
My 12 Favorite Amazon Finds for this Summer!
June 21, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
1- Disney Trading Pins Disney is open again, so time to celebrate! One of my favorite things to do at…
The Florida Aquarium–MUCH More Than Your Typical Aquarium!!
June 14, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 38 Comments
We had been to the Clearwater Beach, Florida area several times, but decided to head into Tampa this trip to…
Niagara Falls Fun
June 3, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
We arrived in the rain We weren’t sure what to think about it. It was raining when we arrived. The…
2020 High School “Graduation”
May 27, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Needless to say, the 2020 High School Seniors have been in for a very non-traditional senior year and graduation. I…
Disney Face Masks!
May 2, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Here is the information Disney has shared about their face masks! Disney is committed to serving the communities where we live…
Reliving My Childhood Fun With My Children
January 28, 2020, Kristyn Jones | Leave a comment
It had been YEARS since I last visited Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. It’s the theme park that is about…
The Importance of Maintaining and Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Partner
January 17, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | Leave a comment
Many people think relationships are 50/50, but that is not what good relationships are made of. Good relationships are made…
What I learned in 2019
January 1, 2020 Melissa A Jones, PhD | 1 Comment
2019 was a crazy fast and crazy busy year for me! I was able to travel, try new adventures, and…
The Value of Service to Your Partner
December 30, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 24 Comments
People often become uneasy with the idea of serving someone else. This often indicates taking a submissive role to someone…
Help! How Can I Make It Through the Holidays with My Kids??
December 23, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
We all want to have that picture-perfect family! The kids listen! Nobody is having a tantrum or crying! Your spouse…
Great Gift Ideas for the Disney Addict in Your Life
December 16, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 19 Comments
Most of us have that one friend…the one that cannot stop talking about Disney and seems to have a Disney…
Special Frozen II Preview at Disney Springs!
November 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
November 17, 2019–Myself and my family had the wonderful opportunity to preview Frozen II at the AMC theater in Disney…
2019 Fall Family Challenge
September 21, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 21 Comments
What’s more fun than spending time with your family?? Spending that time completing fun Fall Family Challenge activities! See how…
Easy Ways to Donate Hair to Child Cancer Patients
September 8, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 9 Comments
I have donated my hair a few times through the years and so have both of my daughters. We have…
College Move-In Day
September 2, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
College move-in day is always fun, exciting, and sweaty! So many things to get moved from her previous home to…
The Art of Criticism
August 19, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
We all have to handle criticism at times. Sometimes that criticism is constructive or educational. This type of criticism has…
Time to De-stress this Mess of a Life!
August 14, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | 2 Comments
Today’s society is filled with parents who are overwhelmed and stressed out. There is often the expectation that little Timmy…
What to Expect When You Seek therapy or psychological testing services
August 13, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
Many people are nervous when they consider the idea of seeking therapy or psychological testing services. Sometimes they are nervous…
When Your Uncle is a Kid Too!
August 3, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
When you have a large family as we do, grandkids come when there are still kids at home. That means…
Back to School Tips for 2019
July 15, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
With school resuming in the near future here are a few tips to help start the school year off right!…
Books Recommend By Clinical Psychologist Dr. Jones
July 11, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
As a clinical psychologist, I always like being able to recommend books to my patients. Books allow them to be…
Miscarriage…21 years later
June 29, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
There is nothing worse than the death of a child. All those hopes, dreams, and plans made are lost. There…
Parenting Book Excerpt
June 29, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
Why am I qualified to teach parenting? So, why am I qualified to talk about parenting and relationships? First, I’m…
Last Day of School Traditions
May 27, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
The school years go by so fast, it is incredible. At my house, we have the first day of school and…
Easy Steps for Making Great Family Traditions
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
I love family traditions! Big Tradition! Small Traditions! It does not matter to me. I love the special things that…
Increasing Family Enjoyment
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
When most of us think about having children, prior to having children, it’s all rainbows and butterflies. The baby will…
Should I still date my partner??
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
I’m a parent now, I no longer have time to do anything with my husband. I’m too tired to do…
Communication is Key
May 20, 2019, Melissa A Jones, Ph.D. | Leave a comment
We all need communication skills and we have communication skills, but what kind of communication skills do we use?? Do…
You can also check out our free downloads that discuss activities to do with your children when they say they are bored and a listing of Kids Eat Free nights at various restaurants throughout the US!
