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.

6 Free Pancake Colouring Pages (Perfect for Pancake Day & Beyond!)

Pancakes are always a hit in our house – especially when they come with smiles, strawberries, and plenty of syrup! To celebrate all things pancake-related, I’m sharing 6 FREE pancake colouring pages that are perfect for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning something fun for Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday), a cosy rainy afternoon, or […]

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Issues to Consider When Planning Long-Term Family Finances

Thinking about what happens to your money, home or personal belongings after you’ve gone is something many people put off. Some feel it’s uncomfortable. Others assume it’s something to deal with later in life. But planning your finances well ahead of time can reduce future costs, protect your loved ones and give you more flexibility

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A Parent’s Guide to Creating a Safer Internet Experience for Children

Childhood and the internet are inseparable these days due to the educational and social aspects. It’s from a very early age that children start using the internet to learn, play, socialise and entertain. With its benefits also come the risks, which make cyber safety for kids a side that you cannot ignore. It’s easy for

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How I Save Money Online Without Adding Another Job to My To-Do List

As a busy parent, there are plenty of things competing for my attention every day – school runs, meals, work, laundry, and the endless list of things that need doing. Saving money matters, but spending time hunting for discount codes? That usually drops straight to the bottom of the list. Still, every time I shop

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Bold & Easy St Patrick’s Day Colouring Pages for Kids (and Grown-Ups!) ☘️

St Patrick’s Day is a lovely opportunity to enjoy a little seasonal creativity – and colouring is one of the easiest, low-prep ways to join in. These Bold & Easy St Patrick’s Day Colouring Pages are designed with clear outlines and simple shapes, making them perfect not only for younger children, but also for older

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Chinese / Lunar New Year 2026 Colouring Pages (Bold & Easy) + Mini Colouring Book 

Chinese (Lunar) New Year is a wonderful opportunity to explore culture, traditions, and creativity with children – and colouring activities are one of the easiest ways to join in. To help families, classrooms, and clubs celebrate, I’m sharing two Chinese New Year 2026 colouring resources that are perfect for young children: Both are simple, engaging,

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7 Practical Ways to Transform Children’s Bedrooms for Better Sleep

Children’s bedrooms influence more than where sleep happens. These spaces affect how easily children settle, how deeply they rest, and how supported they feel at night. A well-considered bedroom environment helps regulate sleep patterns and supports emotional wellbeing. For children who struggle to settle in the evening, small design choices can reduce excess light, limit

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Kids Fingerprint Heart Ornaments | DIY Keepsake Craft

These adorable, simple fingerprint heart ornaments are made using baking soda clay and are perfect for valentine’s day. They are a really easy kid craft and inexpensive to make and make great valentines keepsakes or gifts.  We are using ours as part of our Valentine’s cards but they also make ace Christmas ornaments or for Mother’s Day.

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