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.

Kid Made Christmas Ornaments | Fun and Easy DIY Holiday Crafts

One of the things that I adore about the holiday season is taking out the Christmas decorations and placing them on the tree.  Reminiscing about each and every one of them, especially the kid-made Christmas ornaments.  The boys love talking about the ornaments they have made previously and which year they made them. Christmas ornaments

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Travelling at Christmas – Tips to help Santa Find your family

This post about traveling at Christmas – Tips to help Santa find your family is in partnership with HomaAway.  I have always fancied going away somewhere for Christmas, but every time I have mentioned it in the past the boys have always been reluctant.  Finally this year I found out why…..

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Great Craft kits for Boys

Great Craft Kits for Boys | Fun and Creative DIY Projects

I am a huge lover of creative pursuits and getting boys involved in crafts and arts.  In today’s digital age I think that being creative is even more important, but do acknowledge that sometimes it can be hard to engage your children. I have lots of arts and craft materials at home but love great craft kits.

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