Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

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Author name: Jen Walshaw

Mum-in-charge Jen Walshaw runs the UK’s top parenting blog Mum in the Madhouse, and she describes herself as a “fat, feisty and over 50” Northerner. Based in North Yorkshire, she’s mum to young adults and a big believer that family life is messy, creative and fun. In 2009 a double mastectomy gave her the nudge to start blogging; with two boys under three she needed an outlet and a digital scrapbook to capture their chaos.Jen’s posts are a mix of crafts, kid‑friendly recipes and honest parenting, peppered with northern humour. She’s happiest when up to her elbows in tea, fabric and pizza dough – sewing and making homemade gifts – before sneaking off to write about it. As a proud Northerner she warns PRs that a “quick pop down to London” isn’t quick at all. Her blog has earned her a stack of accolades, including the Cision #1 Mummy Blogger title in 2024  and consistently topping Vuelio and Tots100 parenting‑blog charts. Whether she’s advocating for diversity and body neutrality or sharing tales of parenting teens, Jen keeps things chatty, real and refreshingly down‑to‑earth.

September Could-Do List: Family Activities

September is all about the start of autumn, new routines, and making the most of seasonal change. This Could-Do List is filled with fun, flexible ideas to keep the whole family inspired — no pressure, just possibilities. From quirky celebration days to cultural festivals and autumn adventures, here are some brilliant ways to make memories […]

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How to Plan a Screen-Free Bike Adventure With Kids

Getting kids and teens away from screens does not always require a big plan. Sometimes, a short bike ride is enough. It gives them a route, a destination, physical movement, and plenty of real-world details to notice. Instead of simply saying, “Put the phone down,” a bike ride naturally shifts their attention back to the

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10 Essential Packing and Customs Rules for a Family Holiday in Australia

A family holiday in Australia is easier when customs checks are part of your packing plan, rather than an airport surprise. Before you leave, check passports, medicines, food and electronics, and if anyone in your family uses nicotine vaping products, read about can you bring vapes into Australia before you pack. Australian rules can be

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Simple Protein Pancakes with Naked Nutrition

Simple Protein Pancakes is a paid collaberation with Naked Nutrition. Protein seems to be everywhere at the moment, but many protein products come with long ingredient lists containing sweeteners, flavourings and fillers. I was drawn to Naked Nutrition because its flavoured whey powders keep the ingredient list short, without artificial sweeteners. After spending 16 weeks

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7 Best Budgeting Apps to Manage Your Household Money in 2026

Most people don’t fail at budgeting because they’re bad with money. They fail because the app they picked wasn’t built for the way they actually spend it. That’s the gap the best budgeting apps are trying to close in 2026, and there’s more variety out there now than a simple expense tracker. Some apps want

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August 2026 Could Do List – Family Activities, Festivals & Fun

August is all about long summer days, family time, and soaking up the last weeks of the school holidays. This “Could Do List” is filled with fun, flexible ideas to keep the whole family inspired — no pressure, just possibilities. From quirky celebration days to national festivals and seasonal adventures, here are some brilliant ways

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Improving Your Family Safety When Browsing Online

If your family is making use of the internet, then it has access to a whole range of opportunities – and a whole world of risk. Responsible internet use means taking a few precautions. Many of them are extremely straightforward, and the benefits they bring are substantial. So, what might we consider? Strengthen Account and

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