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.

Printable Halloween Candle Holders to Color and Use with Battery-Operated Tealights

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than with some fun, DIY crafts? These printable Halloween candle holders are a great way to add a festive touch to your décor while involving the kids in a creative activity. Best of all, they’re completely safe when paired […]

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CV Guide for Teenagers: Templates for 16-Year-Olds Looking for Their First Job

The job market can be tough, especially for teenagers stepping into their first roles. A well-crafted CV is important as it goes beyond a simple document. Rather, it’s a gateway to a competitive industry. As a parent, we need to help and guide our teenagers to present themselves effectively to potential employers. Understanding how to

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DIY Nature-Inspired Spider Web Craft: Twigs and Twine

Looking for a creative, eco-friendly craft to do with kids? This nature-inspired spider web made from twigs and twine is a perfect seasonal project, whether as DIY Halloween decor or a simple fun outdoor craft perfect for Autumn. You could add this to your learning activities when you look at all the spiderwebs in nature

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“I Can Draw” Calendar Printable: Learn to Draw a New Animal Each Month!

Looking for a fun and educational way to keep the kids entertained while teaching them new skills? The “I Can Draw” Calendar Printable is the perfect way to combine creativity with learning! Each month, your little ones can illustrate their calendar with a new animal, following simple step-by-step instructions. This post has been updated for

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How to Convert PDFs to Word for Parents: Simplify School, Medical, and Financial Paperwork

As a parent, staying on top of school forms, medical documents, and financial paperwork can feel like a full-time job. Whether it’s filling out consent forms for school trips, updating medical information, or dealing with sensitive financial documents, the process can be overwhelming. Often, you’re asked to fill out forms by hand, scan them, and

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Gingerbread Activities for Kids: Fun, Festive, and Perfect for the Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to engage your kids in creative, festive fun, and what better way to do that than with gingerbread activities? Gingerbread men, houses, and crafts are beloved holiday traditions that bring out the creativity in children while filling the house with the sweet scent of the season. Whether you’re

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The Best Austrian Ski Resorts for Families: A Winter Wonderland for All Ages

Austria is world-renowned for its breathtaking alpine landscapes and top-notch ski resorts, making it a perfect destination for family-friendly winter holidays. With plenty of activities for children and adults alike, Austria offers a wide variety of resorts that cater to families looking for a perfect mix of skiing, relaxation, and fun. Whether you’re travelling with

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Fun Free Printable Christmas Activity Sheets – Perfect Seasonal Placemats for Kids!

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, family gatherings, and festive activities. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, preparing for a holiday party, or looking for a fun way to keep kids entertained, our free printable Christmas activity sheets are just what you need! These sheets double as seasonal placemats, making them

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Nativity Candle Holder Printables – Color Your Own or Use Pre-Colored Templates

This Christmas, let your kids dive into a fun and creative craft with our Nativity Candle Holder Printables! Whether they want to color their own or use the pre-colored templates, these printable candle holders make a fantastic addition to your holiday celebrations. Designed to be used with battery-operated tea lights, they are perfect for creating

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