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.

Free Happy New Year 2026 Colouring Pages (Bold & Easy)

Looking for a calm, screen-free activity to welcome in the New Year with your children (or to enjoy yourself)? These free Happy New Year 2026 colouring pages are designed to be simple, relaxing, and easy to colour, making them perfect for kids, teens, and grown‑ups alike. Whether you need a quiet activity for New Year’s Eve, something mindful for the […]

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Ways to Improve Your Winter Mindset: Simple, Seasonal Practices That Truly Help

Winter can be a magical season… but it can also be long, dark, and draining. Over the past few years, I realised that the colder months felt so much better when I stopped fighting winter and instead embraced it. Small intentional habits have helped transform my winter from something to “get through” into a season

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Free Printable Christmas Door Hanger to Colour In (Fun Kids’ Craft!)

Christmas excitement starts early in our house, and one of our favourite ways to build the magic is through simple, hands-on crafts that kids can personalise. This year, I’m sharing something extra special — a Free Printable Christmas Door Hanger to Colour In! Whether your child wants to remind Santa to “Please stop here”, decorate

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Build a Christmas Tree – Free Printable Craft for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun, low-prep Christmas activity for kids, this Build a Christmas Tree Free Printable is the perfect festive craft! Children can colour, cut and glue adorable Christmas ornaments to decorate their very own tree — a brilliant way to keep little hands busy during the holidays. This printable is ideal for

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The Best Stranger Things Colouring Pages – Free Printables for Fans of All Ages

If you have Stranger Things fans at home (big or small!), then you’re going to love this roundup of free printable Stranger Things colouring pages. Whether your kids adore Eleven, can’t get enough of Dustin and Steve’s friendship, or enjoy the spooky thrill of the Upside Down, there’s something here for everyone These colouring sheets

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Best Educational Chicken Games for Kids – Fun Farm Learning

Chickens are prized for more than just their juicy and succulent meat; they can also be an excellent resource for your kids to learn more about nature and farmyard responsibilities. When children interact with live, breathing chickens, they can gain an appreciation for these wonderful animals.  That being said, this sense of respect and appreciation

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Creative Calm: Simple Craft-Based Activities That Help Kids Manage Big Emotions at Home

Children experience the world with an intensity that adults often forget. Their emotions are vivid, immediate, and sometimes overwhelming. A small disappointment can feel like the end of the world, while a burst of excitement can flood their whole body with energy they don’t yet know how to contain. Because kids are still learning how

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Holiday Mug Painting Gift Night – A Fun DIY Christmas Craft for Friends & Family

There’s something extra special about giving a gift you’ve made by hand — and during the festive season, handmade presents feel even more meaningful. One of our favourite ways to combine creativity, fun, and gifting is by hosting a Holiday Mug Painting Night. It’s a simple, low-cost craft night that works for all ages, and

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Could Do January 2026 – A Gentle Start to the New Year for Families

January is here — a fresh chapter, a quieter month, and the perfect time to ease into the new year with gentle family moments, cosy creativity, and a handful of seasonal celebrations. Our “Could Do January” list is intentionally calm, pressure-free, and full of possibilities to help you and your family reconnect after the Christmas

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