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.

Oreo Owl Cupcakes - Cooking with kids

Peanut Butter flavour Oreo Owl Cupcakes – Cooking with kids

3 Comments / activities for children, baking, Cooking, cooking with children, Party Food, receipe / By

How adorable are these owl cupcakes all made by Mini with Peanut Butter flavour Oreos.  We have been challenged by Oreo to produce a recipe using one of their exciting new flavours range that most suited our personality.   The options were Choc’o Brownie flavour Oreo – smooth, Mint flavour Oreo – cool, Peanut Butter flavour Oreo – nutty or Strawberry Cheesecake flavour Oreo – fruity.  Well seen as we

Peanut Butter flavour Oreo Owl Cupcakes – Cooking with kids Read More »

How to make the perfect Mashed Potatoes – Cooking with Kids

activities for children, Cooking, cooking with children, Mains, receipe / By

How to make the perfect mashed potatoes is a paid post in collaboration with the Tots100 and The Co-Op.   I am passionate about making sure that my children grow up with cooking skills to last them a lifetime.  I try to ensure that at least once a week I cook with each of them and

How to make the perfect Mashed Potatoes – Cooking with Kids Read More »

Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags to Colour and Personalise

Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags to Colour and Personalise

1 Comment / Christmas, Christmas Crafts, Christmas Printables, Free Printables / By

I love Christmas and if I can combine Christmas and being creative then even better.  I totally adore these fabulous free printable Christmas gift tags to colour and personalise.  They are fab to colour in on the dark nights leading up to the festive season and you can add your own stamp to them.  These were

Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags to Colour and Personalise Read More »