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.

Subscribe Now

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 Christmas Candle 3D Colouring Pages – A Fun & Festive Kids’ Craft

Christmas Crafts, christmas decorations, Christmas Printables, Free Printables, Winter, Winter / By

Looking for a simple but beautiful Christmas craft that kids of all ages will love? These Free Christmas Candle 3D Colouring Pages are the perfect festive activity to keep little hands busy during the holidays. Children can colour, cut, fold and glue their own standing 3D Christmas candles—perfect for decorating the mantelpiece, using as centrepieces, […]

Free Christmas Candle 3D Colouring Pages – A Fun & Festive Kids’ Craft Read More »

Letter to Santa Activity (Free Printable Envelopes & Writing Paper!)

Uncategorized / By

Writing a Letter to Santa is one of those magical Christmas traditions that brings excitement, creativity and a little bit of festive sparkle into the home. Whether your children are just learning to write or are already filling pages with wishes and stories, these free printable Letter to Santa templates and matching envelopes make the

Letter to Santa Activity (Free Printable Envelopes & Writing Paper!) Read More »

DIY Cardboard Christmas Village (Plus FREE 7-Page Houses Printable!)

Christmas, christmas decorations, Christmas Printables, crafts, Free Printables / By

Now is the perfect moment to start crafting handmade décor for the festive season. One of the most magical projects to dive into is a DIY cardboard Christmas village—a cosy collection of tiny illuminated houses that looks beautiful on a mantel, windowsill or shelf. This eco-friendly craft is a wonderful way to reuse cardboard packaging

DIY Cardboard Christmas Village (Plus FREE 7-Page Houses Printable!) Read More »

The Ultimate Stranger Things Gift Guide – Unique Etsy Finds Fans Will Love

Gift Guides, gifts / By

If you — or someone you know — can’t get enough of the creepy-cool 1980s vibes and otherworldly thrills of Stranger Things, then this gift guide is your go-to for unique, fandom-focused picks straight from Etsy. From retro wall art and themed décor to fun stocking-fillers, each item brings a little Hawkins-style magic into everyday

The Ultimate Stranger Things Gift Guide – Unique Etsy Finds Fans Will Love Read More »

Free Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Printable – A Heart-Warming Christmas Countdown for Kids

a pause in advent, advent, advent at TheMadHouse, advent calender, Christmas, Christmas Printables, Christmas traditions, Free Printables / By

If you’re looking for a meaningful, low-stress, and joy-filled way to count down to Christmas this year, our Free Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Printable is the perfect festive activity for families. Instead of chocolate or toys, this Advent calendar encourages children to spread kindness every day – building empathy, gratitude, and thoughtfulness throughout December.

Free Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar Printable – A Heart-Warming Christmas Countdown for Kids Read More »

3 Free Christmas Present Folding Cards to Colour

Christmas, christmas cards, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, Free Printables / By

If your children love making handmade Christmas cards, then they are going to really enjoy these Christmas Present Folding Cards! Each card folds into the shape of a wrapped gift box, complete with bows, wreaths, candy canes and adorable festive characters. They’re such a sweet and simple Christmas craft for kids of all ages —

3 Free Christmas Present Folding Cards to Colour Read More »

Viral Home Doner Kebab – TikTok Style (with Mum in the Mad House twist)

Fakeaways, Food, Mains, receipe / By

Our slow cooker doner kebab fakeaway recipe is the most popular one on our site for a reason – it tastes amazing, but my FYP on TikTok has been filled with doner Kebabs inspired by Meze Mike’s method of spreading the mixture out on baking paper and rolling it before cooking it. So we had

Viral Home Doner Kebab – TikTok Style (with Mum in the Mad House twist) Read More »

3 Free Snow Globe Folding Christmas Cards to Colour

Christmas, christmas cards, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, Free Printables / By

If your children love colouring and Christmas crafts, then they are going to be absolutely delighted with these free printable Snow Globe Folding Christmas Cards! Each card folds out to create a cute snowy scene featuring Santa, Christmas trees, stars, and candy canes — just like a real snow globe. These make a lovely handmade

3 Free Snow Globe Folding Christmas Cards to Colour Read More »

Teen-Approved Tech Gifts for 2025 – The Ultimate Guide

Gift Guides, parenting, Tweens/Teens / By

Teen Approved Tech gifts is a paid collaboration with Very. If you’ve got teens in the house, you’ll know that tech sits firmly at the top of most wish lists. Whether they’re into music, gaming, content creation, journaling, reading, or simply having the same gadgets their friends rave about, the right tech gift can make

Teen-Approved Tech Gifts for 2025 – The Ultimate Guide Read More »