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.

Firework Art - Zip tie firework sculptures

Kids Firework Art – Create Stunning Cable Tie Firework Sculptures

19 Comments / autumn, Autumn/Fall, childrens craft, crafts, Fireworks / By

Do you love fireworks?  I have such fond memories of the annual firework displays that used to take place on the stray each November 5th when I was growing up.  Cold toes, hot chocolate from the flask and sparklers in gloved hands.  I remember  looking at the sky in awe at the beautiful bright bursts […]

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hairy hot dogs or scary spaghett

Hairy Hot Dogs or Scary Spaghetti – Fun and Spooky Recipes for Cooking with Kids

13 Comments / Autumn Foos, Autumn/Fall, cooking with children, Mains, receipe / By

We first made hairy hot dogs or scary spaghetti back in 2009 (just look at how cute and small Maxi was back in 2009) and they have become an annual Halloween tradition here in The Mad House.  They are super fun to make and something that the boys can make on their own now they are

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