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.

Fab Free Printable Father's Day Cards

Fab Free Printable Father’s Day Cards & Gifts Under £10 | Budget-Friendly Ideas

Are you a good gift giver? I am training my boys to be great gift givers, but father’s Day is always a challenge.  We have the cards sorted for you with these fab free print and colour in Father’s Day cards.  However, we do find Father’s Day quite a challenge especially as MadDad wants for […]

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20 Adorable Button Crafts for Kids | Fun and Creative Projects

Buttons are one of the most versatile and inexpensive craft supplies you can find. They come in every colour, size, and style imaginable, and they’re perfect for both children and adults. From jewellery to wall art, from holiday decorations to simple gifts, button crafts are a brilliant way to get creative. This updated guide brings

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How to Make Your House Safe for Children

How to Make Your House Safe for Children | Essential Childproofing Tips

Children are curious little things, and while that’s exactly what makes watching them grow through their initial years such a memorable experience, it’s also one of the main reasons as to why they often end up hurting themselves. A few cuts and bruises are perfectly alright and part of the growing up process, but as

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Ocean Watercolour Glue Resist Art Ideas

Ocean Watercolour Glue Resist Art Ideas | Creative Kids’ Projects

I love watercolour glue resist and we have joined in with a fantastic tea of kid and art bloggers to bring you an amazing resource.  The complete under the sea watercolour glue resists Roundup.  Yes, Ocean Watercolour Glue Resist Art Ideas many with free printables to make it even easier.

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Octopus watercolour glue resist art

Octopus Watercolour Glue Resist Art for Kids | Fun & Creative Craft

We have been long time fans of glue resist art here in the Mad House and this octopus watercolour glue resist art project is great fun for kids of all ages.  I have tailored this towards tweens by using a hot glue gun with back glue.   We like using glue guns for art projects

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5 Ways to Get the Kids to Sleep During Allergy Season

5 Ways to Get the Kids to Sleep During Allergy Season | Restful Night

Summer can mean a lot of things. Sun, adventure and above all, fun. However, here is a slight downside to all that enjoyment in that allergies are rampant. Sneezing, sniffling and lack of sleep can lead to increasingly grumpy children!  Thankfully, I have some top tips from Joy Richards sleep specialist with online bed retail business

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