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.

Thanksgiving Riddle Bookmarks to Color: Fun and Interactive Holiday Activity for Kids

Autumn Crafts, Autumn Printables, Autumn/Fall, bookmarks, crafts, Free Printables, thankful / By

Looking for a fun, educational, and creative activity to keep the kids entertained this Thanksgiving? These Thanksgiving Riddle Bookmarks to Color are the perfect solution! With 10 unique bookmarks, each featuring a Thanksgiving-themed riddle, this activity combines the joy of coloring with the fun of solving riddles. It’s a great way to spark creativity while […]

Thanksgiving Riddle Bookmarks to Color: Fun and Interactive Holiday Activity for Kids Read More »

Halloween Mandala Coloring Sheets: A Spooky and Relaxing Activity for All Ages

Autumn Crafts, Autumn/Fall, Free Printables, halloween, Halloween Printables / By

Halloween is the perfect time to blend creativity with relaxation, and what better way to do that than with Halloween Mandala Coloring Sheets? These intricate, spooky designs offer a fun and calming activity for kids and adults alike, perfect for winding down after all the Halloween excitement. Whether you’re looking for a quiet activity at

Halloween Mandala Coloring Sheets: A Spooky and Relaxing Activity for All Ages Read More »

Fun Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Teens: Free Clues Included!

Christmas Printables, Christmas traditions, Free Printables / By

Looking for a unique holiday activity? Try our Christmas Scavenger Hunt featuring 12 fun and challenging clues for teens and older kids. These clues are perfect for a festive adventure around the house and can be used for family gatherings or holiday parties! As our kids get bigger, they often have less Christmas gifts. I

Fun Printable Christmas Scavenger Hunt for Teens: Free Clues Included! Read More »

DIY Ugly Sweater Craft for Kids with Free Printables

Christmas, christmas cards, Christmas Crafts, christmas decorations, Christmas Printables, crafts / By

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative with the kids, and what better way than with an Ugly Sweater Craft! We’ve designed this fun and easy activity that lets your little ones use their imagination while creating their very own ugly Christmas sweater using our free printables. With options to color in

DIY Ugly Sweater Craft for Kids with Free Printables Read More »

Gingerbread Playdough Recipe: A Festive and Fun Craft for Kids

1 Comment / Christmas, Christmas Crafts, crafts, play dough, Sensory, thrifty Christmas / By

Looking for a festive and sensory-rich activity to do with your kids this Christmas holiday season? Try making gingerbread playdough! This homemade playdough smells just like gingerbread cookies and provides hours of creative play. Plus, it’s easy to make with common pantry ingredients. Here’s how to whip up a batch of this delightful dough for

Gingerbread Playdough Recipe: A Festive and Fun Craft for Kids Read More »

Christmas Charades for Families, including Teen-Specific Clues!

Christmas, Christmas Printables, Christmas traditions, Free Printables / By

Planning a Christmas family game night or Christmas party? Here’s a mix of classic holiday fun with some unique, teen-friendly twists. I know how hard it can be to get kids off their screens and include everyone in the family fun. So we have some Christmas charade ideas perfect for families including some teen-specific clues!

Christmas Charades for Families, including Teen-Specific Clues! Read More »

How Domestic Electrical Certificates Safeguard Your Family

Home Improvements / By

Developing a risk-free home environment is crucial for households with youngsters. Electrical safety precautions, like the domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), significantly heighten that protection, comforting parents and guardians. This article examines how electric certificates shield families while emphasising essential facets of electrical safety in dwellings. What is a Domestic Electrical Installation Condition Report

How Domestic Electrical Certificates Safeguard Your Family Read More »

Family Weekend in Kansas City: Art, Culture, and Culinary Adventure

Holidays abroad, travelling with kids / By

Kansas City should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a great destination, somewhere that offers fun, culture and great food for all the family. Kansas City is a bustling metropolis rich with history, a vibrant art hub, and a diverse and delicious culinary scene that will satisfy even the fussiest

Family Weekend in Kansas City: Art, Culture, and Culinary Adventure Read More »