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.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Mascot Colouring Pages Free Printable – Clutch, Zayu and Maple

football, Free Printables / By

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on, and this year things are extra exciting because for the first time ever the tournament is being co-hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.  To celebrate, I’ve created a free printable set of FIFA World Cup 2026 mascot colouring pages, featuring: These […]

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Are High School Internships Abroad Worth It? A Parent’s Perspective

education, parenting / By

High school internships abroad are increasingly offered as structured opportunities for students to experience professional settings at an early stage in life. These programs place teenagers in real workplace environments where they can observe daily operations, take part in supervised tasks, and interact with professionals from different fields. For parents, the idea often raises important

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Five things to check before serving food to your child’s friends at a birthday party

celebrations, Party, Party Food / By

There’s a lot to think about when serving food to your children’s friends at a birthday party – and we’re not just talking about the judgement of other mums! A small amount of good preparation can go a long way towards keeping the kids happy, keeping your own stress levels low, and – crucially –

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Free Spring Bookmarks to Colour In – A Fun Printable for Kids

bookmarks, crafts, Free Printables, Screen Free, Spring, Spring / By

Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a set of adorable free spring bookmarks to colour in? These printable bookmarks are the perfect low-prep activity for kids who love reading, colouring, and all things springtime.  From cute bunnies and butterflies to buzzing bees, flowers, frogs, ducklings, and even

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Reverse Perspective Art for Kids (With Free Printable 3D Magic Templates)

11 Comments / activities for children, art, childrens craft, craft, crafts, Free Printables, Screen Free / By

Have you ever made a picture that seems to move when you walk past it? This reverse perspective art craft is one of those WOW activities that completely fascinates kids (and grown-ups too). At first it looks like a simple colouring page, but once folded into shape it creates an amazing 3D optical illusion that

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This butterfly rain art is a super process art activity for kids and a great way to investigate the science of colour

Butterfly rain art – The science of colour

18 Comments / activities for children, art, Process Art, Science / By

Butterfly rain art is a wonderful process art activity perfect for rainy days; alternatively, you can use a spray bottle of water to get the same reaction.  We thought that there was something magical watching the rain fall and change and mix our butterflies’ colours. Butterfly Rain Art Materials Why This Butterfly Craft Works So

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Stylish Yet Functional Ideas from Bathroom Showrooms in Harrogate

Home Improvements / By

The process of designing a family bathroom requires designers to overcome various challenges which are specific to this task. The space must function efficiently during morning rush hours while providing safety features for children and keeping an appearance which creates a calming atmosphere for evening use. The bathroom showrooms located in Harrogate provide excellent design

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