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.

A DIY clay recipe and beautiful DIY Clay Easter bunting a great kids DIY craft for Easter. This DIY clay recipe has only two ingredients and you can colour on it with markers and felt tips. It has to be seen to be believed.

DIY Clay Easter Bunting – Fun and Easy Kids Craft Tutoria

This DIY Clay Easter bunting is so simple to make using just two ingredients and makes perfect DIY clay decorations.  We have turned ours into easter bunting.  I love this two ingredient DIY clay recipe as you can draw on it with felt tips or sharpies making it great for kids of all ages.

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DIY Rainbow Rainmaker – Easy Cardboard Tube Craft for Kids

We love crafts that can be made from recyclables and this rainbow rainmaker is a great cardboard tube craft, plus is a great home made musical instrument.  There are lots of ways to adapt this project depending on the age of your kids, however, we decided to use some of my massive stash of washi tape

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Acts of Kindness for Siblings – Simple Ideas to Build Compassion

Teaching kids to be kind doesn’t need to be complicated. A simple Kindness Jar activity helps siblings learn compassion, build stronger friendships, and turn little moments into lasting acts of kindness. Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or older kids, this project is a fun way to encourage kind deeds at home. Why Use a

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Helping Kids Manage Their Money – Tips and Strategies for Financial Literacy

Helping Children manage their money is a commissioned post for TSB.  Do your children have bank accounts? I am working with TSB and Emily at A Mummy Too and the Tots100 team to help you educate your children with regards to their finances and to help encourage your kids to manage their money better.

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