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.

40+ Simple Homemade Gifts: Thoughtful DIY Ideas for Every Occasion

Homemade gifts offer a personal and thoughtful touch, showing your care and creativity. From pampering bath products to charming home décor, crafting something by hand is a wonderful way to give a meaningful gift. Here are some delightful DIY gift ideas for all occasions, from candles to coasters, perfect for making someone’s day extra special!

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DIY Honeycomb Christmas Ornaments Made from Coffee Filters and Cake Cases: A Simple, Festive Craft

Are you looking for a fun and affordable way to make your own Christmas decorations this year? These DIY honeycomb ornaments, made from everyday items like coffee filters and cake cases, are the perfect craft to add a unique and festive touch to your tree. Not only are they beautiful and delicate, but they’re also

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30 Free Christmas Maze Printables – Festive Fun for Kids!

The holiday season is a time for fun, laughter, and spending time with loved ones, and what better way to keep kids entertained than with some Christmas maze printables? Mazes are an excellent way to engage children’s minds while offering a fun and festive challenge. These 30 free Christmas maze printables are perfect for kids

30 Free Christmas Maze Printables – Festive Fun for Kids! Read More »

DIY Christmas Cracker Colouring Printables: A Fun Holiday Craft for Kids!

Get ready to add some extra sparkle to your holiday season with these Christmas Cracker Colouring Printables! These fun and festive crackers are not only a great craft to keep the kids entertained, but they also make adorable, personalized decorations or gifts for your Christmas table. We have been making our own Christmas crackers for

DIY Christmas Cracker Colouring Printables: A Fun Holiday Craft for Kids! Read More »

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

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