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.

The Doorstep Worry: Spotting the Moment Independence Starts to Feel Unsafe

It usually starts with something small. Mum takes longer than usual to get back from the shop. Dad rings from a road he knows well, suddenly unsure which way to turn. A neighbour mentions seeing him looking a bit lost. You try not to panic. Maybe it was tiredness, a bad day, or one of […]

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Helping Children Speak Up When Something Doesn’t Feel Right

Every parent wants their child to feel safe in the world, but safety should not mean fear. Children need the confidence to try new things, trust kind people and enjoy a little independence, while also knowing they can speak up when something feels uncomfortable, confusing or wrong. The best conversations often happen in ordinary moments.

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Why Financial Stress Is a Defining Feature of Modern Parenthood — and What Helps

Nearly half of American parents — 46% — say that child-related financial concerns cause them stress always or usually. Not occasionally. Not in rough months. Always or usually. That is a chronic, low-grade pressure that runs beneath the surface of daily family life: school drop-offs, grocery runs, paediatrician visits, the mental math that never fully

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9 Best Renters Insurance Companies for Families in 2026

Last spring, a friend’s toddler knocked a lamp into a curtain and started a small fire in their rental apartment. The family escaped without injury, but they lost furniture, clothing, two laptops, and their daughter’s crib. Their renters insurance policy covered the replacement costs and paid for a hotel while the landlord repaired the damage.

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Choosing a Safe and Budget-Friendly Custom Neon Sign for Kids’ Rooms: Glass Neon vs. LED Neon with GS-JJ

New parents frequently evaluate Neon Signs for nurseries against those for home businesses or retail spaces, with the ideal Custom option depending on safety, costs, and setup requirements. A noteworthy trend on Instagram and Pinterest showcases Custom Neon Signs in children’s rooms and nurseries. Ranging from gentle pastel designs featuring a baby’s name to bright,

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Coach parked outside a wedding venue

Why Coach Hire Is a Practical Choice for Stress-Free Group Travel

Planning transport for a group can quickly become complicated. Whether you are organising a corporate event, school trip, wedding, airport transfer, sports fixture, or private day out, the journey needs to be reliable, comfortable, and easy to manage. When several people are travelling together, choosing the right transport can make the difference between a smooth

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Why Proper Work Shorts Are a Summer DIY Essential

When summer arrives, many dads head outdoors to tackle those long-awaited DIY jobs, garden projects, and home improvements. Staying cool is important, but so is staying safe. Proper work shorts combine comfort, durability, and practical features that make DIY tasks easier and safer throughout the warmer months. Whether you’re building a raised flower bed, painting

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