Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

2026 Colouring Calendar!

Subscribe and receive our 2026 Kids Colouring Calendar for Free
Get the 13 Page Calendar by subscribing below.

Subscribe Now

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 Brilliant Benefits of Rechargeable Lamps – Lighting Freedom Anywhere You Need It

Home Improvements / By

The Brilliant Benefits of Rechargeable Lamps – Lighting Freedom Anywhere You Need It is a collaborative post with Pagazzi who provided the lights for this post. Everyone knows that you must never use the BIG light, but as a crafter and sewist, I need to have light, especially during the dark winter nights, so when […]

The Brilliant Benefits of Rechargeable Lamps – Lighting Freedom Anywhere You Need It Read More »

The Smart Mom’s Guide to Lowering Gas Costs

1 Comment / Finance, money saving, parenting / By

As a mom, I know how important it is to make every dollar count while managing a household. The rising cost of living, especially fuel prices, can put a serious dent in the family budget. With so many daily errands—school drop-offs, grocery runs, extracurricular activities, and work commutes—it’s crucial to find ways to cut down

The Smart Mom’s Guide to Lowering Gas Costs Read More »

DIY Painted Flower Pots – A Kid-Friendly Craft Perfect for Mother’s Day!

crafts, Mother's Day Crafts / By

Looking for a heartfelt, handmade gift for Mother’s Day? These painted flower pots are a fun and easy craft for kids that result in a beautiful, personalised present. With just a few simple materials, little hands can create something special that any mum, grandma, or loved one will cherish! 🌸🎨 What You’ll Need: How to

DIY Painted Flower Pots – A Kid-Friendly Craft Perfect for Mother’s Day! Read More »

What UK Buyers Are Really Looking for in Their Living Rooms

Home Improvements / By

Choosing the right sofa is about much more than just aesthetics. New research from Furniture Village has revealed fascinating insights into what British buyers prioritise when shopping for sofas. The results highlight a clear trend towards practical, multi-functional designs that offer both style and comfort. The Rise of Practical and Stylish Sofas Looking at Google

What UK Buyers Are Really Looking for in Their Living Rooms Read More »

Heartfelt, Creative & FREE Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 💕

Homemade gifts, Mother's Day, Mother's Day Crafts, Mothersday, Seasonal / By

Mother’s Day is a time to show love and appreciation, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to make it special. The best gifts often come from the heart, and a thoughtful gesture can mean more than anything money can buy. Whether you’re short on funds or simply want to give something truly meaningful,

Heartfelt, Creative & FREE Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 💕 Read More »

Tyre Maintenance Made Easy for Busy Parents: How to Choose the Best Ford Car Tyres for Everyday Drives

car journeys / By

As a mum, your days are filled with non-stop activities—school runs, grocery shopping, weekend getaways, and much more. With so much to juggle, your car becomes your second home, taking you and your family from one place to the next safely and comfortably. But have you ever thought about how important your car tyres are

Tyre Maintenance Made Easy for Busy Parents: How to Choose the Best Ford Car Tyres for Everyday Drives Read More »

Mastering Home Improvement Measurements for DIY Success

Home Improvements / By

When it comes to home improvement, achieving great results starts with one thing-precision. Measuring correctly can save you time, effort, and money, and help you achieve professional-looking results. Whether you’re working on flooring, furniture placement, or replacing windows, dialling in accurate dimensions ensures everything fits and functions like it’s supposed to. If you’ve struggled with

Mastering Home Improvement Measurements for DIY Success Read More »

Free Flower Colouring Page for Adults – Relaxing and Intricate Designs

18 Comments / Adult colouring pages, crafts, flowers, Spring, Spring, Summer, Summer / By

Since I know how much you all like free adult colouring pages, I have teamed up with another of my favourite creative people Leslieanne from Leslieanne made it to bring you this beautiful free flower colouring page for adults. These free printable coloring pages are just beautiful and filled with cute flowers and the perfect addition to our

Free Flower Colouring Page for Adults – Relaxing and Intricate Designs Read More »

The Importance of a Good Mattress for Your Child’s Sleep

1 Comment / parenting, sleep / By

Have you ever wondered why your child wakes up in a bad mood despite getting to bed on time? The problem might be their mattress. Sleep is very important for kids because it helps them grow, learn, and maintain a good mood. Yet, studies show that 20% to 40% of children have trouble sleeping, often because their beds aren’t comfortable enough. (1)  This makes your child’s mattress a crucial piece of furniture. The right mattress can change restless nights into peaceful, restful ones. Knowing what makes a good mattress for kids is

The Importance of a Good Mattress for Your Child’s Sleep Read More »