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.

Creative Calm: Simple Craft-Based Activities That Help Kids Manage Big Emotions at Home

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Children experience the world with an intensity that adults often forget. Their emotions are vivid, immediate, and sometimes overwhelming. A small disappointment can feel like the end of the world, while a burst of excitement can flood their whole body with energy they don’t yet know how to contain. Because kids are still learning how […]

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Holiday Mug Painting Gift Night – A Fun DIY Christmas Craft for Friends & Family

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There’s something extra special about giving a gift you’ve made by hand — and during the festive season, handmade presents feel even more meaningful. One of our favourite ways to combine creativity, fun, and gifting is by hosting a Holiday Mug Painting Night. It’s a simple, low-cost craft night that works for all ages, and

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Could Do January 2026 – A Gentle Start to the New Year for Families

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January is here — a fresh chapter, a quieter month, and the perfect time to ease into the new year with gentle family moments, cosy creativity, and a handful of seasonal celebrations. Our “Could Do January” list is intentionally calm, pressure-free, and full of possibilities to help you and your family reconnect after the Christmas

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

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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,

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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.

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3 Free Christmas Present Folding Cards to Colour

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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 —

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