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.

Gingerbread Playdough Recipe: A Festive and Fun Craft for Kids

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

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Christmas Charades for Families, including Teen-Specific Clues!

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!

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How Domestic Electrical Certificates Safeguard Your Family

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

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

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

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Free Printable Christmas Character Dress-Up Dolls

Get your kids excited for the holiday season with these free printable Christmas character dress-up dolls! Whether it’s Santa Claus, an adorable reindeer, a gingerbread man, or an elf, these fun and festive paper dolls are perfect for encouraging creativity and imaginative play and a fun seasonal craft. These Seasonal character dress-up paper dolls are

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Create Your Own Christmas Articulated Puppets: A Fun Coloring and Craft Activity

The holiday season is a perfect time to get crafty with the family, and what better way to celebrate than by creating your own Christmas articulated puppets? These adorable puppets, featuring beloved holiday characters like Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and elves, are not only fun to color but also offer a hands-on activity for kids

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Celebrate Diwali with 6 Free Printable Diwali Cards to Color

The festival of lights is here! Diwali is a time for celebration, love, and sharing happiness. What better way to express your festive spirit than by creating personalized greeting cards? We’ve got 6 beautiful, free Diwali cards ready for you to download and color! Whether you’re spending quality time with family, or simply looking for

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Free Printable Bookmarks to Color for Diwali: A Fun and Festive Craft

Diwali, the festival of lights, is all about joy, color, and celebration. If you’re looking for a simple, creative, and festive activity for kids (and adults!), look no further than these free printable bookmarks to color for Diwali. They are a fun way to celebrate the spirit of Diwali and make a perfect DIY gift

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