Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

2026 Colouring Calendar!

Subscribe and receive our 2026 Kids Colouring Calendar for Free
Get the 13 Page Calendar by subscribing below.

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.

Free Printable Halloween Wreath: Cut and Colour Craft for Kids

Fancy making some Halloween decorations with the children? This free printable Halloween wreath is a lovely way to spend a crafty autumn afternoon. Just print, colour, cut and stick to create a wreath filled with cheeky pumpkins, fluttering bats and colourful autumn leaves. There’s no need for a trip to the craft shop, either. Grab

Free Printable Halloween Wreath: Cut and Colour Craft for Kids Read More »

Gas vs. Heat Pump Water Heaters: What Bay Area Homeowners Need to Know About Upcoming Rules

Almost never do water heaters malfunction at an opportune time. When a puddle forms on the garage concrete on a Sunday morning, the first thing to do is arrange for plumbing service so that the house will have hot water by dinner. A deadline is going to collide with that reflex. Anyone weighing water heater

Gas vs. Heat Pump Water Heaters: What Bay Area Homeowners Need to Know About Upcoming Rules Read More »

How to Design a Toddler Bedroom That Encourages Independence

Between approximately eighteen months and four years, young children experience an important developmental stage. In this age group, children develop what Dr. Maria Montessori referred to as a “Sensitive Period for Order and Autonomy.” At this stage, they begin to desire greater independence and self-control in performing tasks (e.g., selecting a jumper, pouring water) on

How to Design a Toddler Bedroom That Encourages Independence Read More »

How Domestic Family Violence Lawyers Guide You Through Court

Few things feel more overwhelming than turning to the courts while living through family violence. In Victoria the law is built to protect people who have been harmed, yet the system itself can be daunting, especially when a state intervention order and a federal parenting matter are running at the same time. The Family Violence

How Domestic Family Violence Lawyers Guide You Through Court Read More »

How to Maximise Your Living Space With the Right Chaise Lounge

A well-chosen chaise lounge can make a living room feel more spacious while providing a comfortable place to relax. Unlike bulky seating arrangements that can take over the room, a chaise lounge combines generous seating with an extended section for stretching out. Whether you’re furnishing a compact apartment or updating a larger home, selecting the

How to Maximise Your Living Space With the Right Chaise Lounge Read More »

What a Free AI Image Generator Gets Wrong About Printables for Children

A generated colouring page looks wonderful on a screen and frequently disappoints on paper. The reason is not the drawing. It is that a picture and a printable are different objects with different requirements, and nothing in an image tool knows the difference. Somebody designing colouring pages professionally makes a dozen small decisions automatically line

What a Free AI Image Generator Gets Wrong About Printables for Children Read More »

Free Summer Activity Worksheets

Bring a little seaside fun to your day with these free summer activity worksheets! Filled with puzzles, colouring and summer words, these printable activity mats give children plenty to explore on two busy pages. Whether you’re planning an end-of-term classroom activity or looking for something to keep little hands occupied during the summer holidays, simply

Free Summer Activity Worksheets Read More »

Why Professional Catering Services Make Family Celebrations More Special

Planning a family celebration should be about spending quality time with the people you love, not worrying about what to cook, how much food to prepare, or whether everyone has been served. From birthday parties and baby showers to anniversaries and family reunions, food plays an important role in bringing everyone together. While preparing homemade

Why Professional Catering Services Make Family Celebrations More Special Read More »