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.

No Added Sugar Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

No Added Sugar Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies | Healthy Treats Recipe

When Barleycup challenged me and the boys to produce a recipe with their delicious gluten free and free from added sugars instant cereal drink I knew instantly that they would be the perfect addition to peanut butter and chocolate cookies.  I first was introduced to peanut butter cookies by Cass from Diary of a Frugal

No Added Sugar Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies | Healthy Treats Recipe Read More »

Keeping Kids Hydrated over Summer

Tips for Keeping Kids Hydrated Over Summer | Healthy Hydration Guide

Earlier this year I worked with Highland Spring to bring you some tips on keeping your kids hydrated at school, easing the home to school transition and hel[ping kids cope at school.  I have learned over the years that water and hydration plays a big part in my kids’ behaviour.  Not only during school time, but

Tips for Keeping Kids Hydrated Over Summer | Healthy Hydration Guide Read More »

It’s OK to Have Mixed Feelings About the School Holidays | Honest Parenting Insights

it seems that parents are firmly split down the middle when it comes to the summer holidays.  They either love the lack of routine and early wake-up times or they hate them and find trying to cover all the bases intolerable.  However, I think it is OK to have mixed feelings about the school holidays.

It’s OK to Have Mixed Feelings About the School Holidays | Honest Parenting Insights Read More »

Free Kokeshi Colouring Sampler - Adult Colouring

Free Kokeshi Colouring Sampler | Relaxing Adult Colouring Pages

How gorgeous is this free Kokeshi colouring sampler from my friend the talented Tasha Goddard?  As I get older I really do relish the chance to switch off and unwind and one of my favourite ways is to colour in.  Over the last couple of weeks, I have taken my colouring sampler with me when I

Free Kokeshi Colouring Sampler | Relaxing Adult Colouring Pages Read More »

Summer Screen Rules – Free Printable | Manage Screen Time Easily

It is no secret that I find balancing screen time challenging. My boys would quite happily spend some days on their Xbox or screens all day.  So this summer we are implementing some summer screen rules for my sanity! Now I realise that this might not be for everyone, in fact, one of my besties

Summer Screen Rules – Free Printable | Manage Screen Time Easily Read More »

Family Heritage Activities for Kids | Fun Ways to Explore Ancestry

Finding new and exciting things to do with your children can be challenging. However, there are unique ways to spend family time that are fun and educational. One way is to assist your children in developing an interest in the history of your family. This is something my boys are keen on doing after watching

Family Heritage Activities for Kids | Fun Ways to Explore Ancestry Read More »