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.

How to Build Holiday Excitement With Kids Before You Travel

We all know that feeling of anticipation and looking forward to something great, but no one really knows what to do when it’s missing. Your kids can be excited about the most usual and random things; however, it’s completely different when it comes to traveling. They have no idea what to expect, making it difficult

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Free Printable Leaf Activities and Leaf Spotter for Kids

There is something rather wonderful about leaves. They are everywhere, completely free and perfect for turning an ordinary walk to the park into a little outdoor adventure. This free printable Leaf Spotter Activity Set is packed with simple ways for children to explore, identify and get creative with leaves. Just print the pages, pop on

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How to Get Children Interested in Making and Fixing Things

There is something rather wonderful about the look on a child’s face when they realise they have mended something all by themselves. Whether it is a wobbly chair leg, a bike with a slipped chain, or a bird box built from leftover wood, that small spark of “I did that” tends to stick with them

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September Could-Do List: Family Activities

September is all about the start of autumn, new routines, and making the most of seasonal change. This Could-Do List is filled with fun, flexible ideas to keep the whole family inspired — no pressure, just possibilities. From quirky celebration days to cultural festivals and autumn adventures, here are some brilliant ways to make memories

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Bottle Washer vs Dishwasher: Which Is Best for Baby Bottles?

If you have ever stood at the kitchen sink at midnight wondering whether another gadget would actually help, you are not alone. The bottle washer vs dishwasher question comes up fast in the newborn months—especially when bottles, teats, and pump parts seem to multiply while the rest of the washing-up waits on the side. Many

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Much Does It Cost to Fix a Sprinkler? 2026 Pricing Guide

Apart from having a nice-looking lawn, there are other benefits of having an efficient irrigation system. This is because an efficient irrigation system ensures proper water use and deeper rooting in plants. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, outdoor use accounts for most of your home’s water consumption. Several people living in North

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Late Summer Activities for Families – Fun Ideas to Embrace the Season

Late summer is a magical time—hedgerows are heavy with fruit, the sun hangs low in the sky, and nature begins preparing for autumn. It’s a wonderful season to slow down, explore outdoors, and engage in nature-based activities that encourage learning, creativity, and connection as a family. Here are our favourite late summer activity ideas, perfect

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