Jen Walshaw | Mum In The Madhouse

2026 Colouring Calendar!

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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.

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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Winter Break Planning for Families Considering School Alternatives

Winter break often creates space families do not have during term time. With routines temporarily relaxed, parents observe their children differently. Without daily school pressure, patterns become clearer. Some children appear calmer. Others disengage completely. These shifts prompt questions about whether the current school structure still fits. For families already thinking about change, winter offers

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Building a Bright Future: Early Years Nursery Benefits

Nurturing the Foundation of Learning Choosing an early years nursery is a pivotal decision for many parents. This initial stage in a child’s educational journey sets the tone for lifelong learning and development. In London, the importance of a well-rounded nursery experience cannot be understated, particularly in a diverse and culturally vibrant environment. The benefits

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Paddington Bear Crafts, Activities & Free Printables | Fun for Kids

If there’s one bear who brings joy, imagination and a little bit of mischief wherever he goes, it’s Paddington Bear! Whether your family loves his marmalade sandwich loving adventures, his gentle curiosity, or his kind heart, we’ve rounded up the best Paddington-inspired crafts and activities to enjoy together. From simple art ideas to playful projects

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