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.

Piri Piri Beef and Wedges – Cooking with Kids

Growing up we always had a Midweek Roast – it was a real treat in the middle of the week and I am delighted to be continuing that with my family.  This delicious Piri Piri Beef and Wedges is a delicious and flavourful meal with Maxi had on the table in under an hour.  A perfect […]

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10 Tips for cooking with Siblings

10 Tips for Cooking with Siblings | Fun and Stress-Free Kitchen Time

One of the biggest challenges of cooking with your children apart from finding the time is balancing the needs of siblings.  Cooking with more than one child can be challenging and dealing with the dynamics of siblings can be offputting.  But there are ways that you can make cooking with siblings easier.

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Homemade Pizza Recipe - Cooking with Kids

Homemade Pizza Recipe | Fun Cooking with Kids

Do you have pizza nights?  We do and have done since the boys were little .  This homemade pizza recipe certainly is tried and tested as it has been our failsafe recipe which has been used since before the boys were born so for around 15 years!  I have learned that kids love pizza and

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Family Friday Night Takeaway – My Top Tips For Ordering

Family Friday Night Takeaway – My Top Tips For Ordering

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know that I’m passionate about cooking and that I’m passionate about getting kids to cook, so you may be wondering what I’m doing ordering a takeaway on a Friday.  When you say takeaway people immediately think ‘oh that’s really unhealthy’ or ‘that’s really fattening’ or ‘I bet that’s all

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