Mum in the Mad House

Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August Could Do August August Newsletter Hopefully you are having a great summer break, and the kids have already decompressed this summer holiday. I have put together a could do August with some simple activities, festivals and interest days perfect for a family. It isn't about filling all the time with lots of activities, rather a little nudge if you are lacking inspiration. Jen aka Mum in the Mad House Minions We are so excisited for the new minions...

Summer Weekly Ideas - Week 2 Frozen Flower Ice Play Simple activities with low mess and setup How are you settling into the summer break? Have the kids acclimatised to it yet, or do they still need you to plan their time? For some, summer is a time of stress due to needing childcare, and others love it. Which camp do you fall into? I always find having some quick and easy crafts and printables available makes my summer much easier. I can be all prepared beforehand. So this week we are...

Preparing for Summer Bored Jar A Weekly Update for Summer Summer holidays have started here in the UK, so I have decided to send a weekly newsletter with some ideas and printables for the week. We will also be sharing recipes from A-Z, perfect for cooking with kids.This week is all about doing a little preparation to make the whole of the holidays easier. Starting with preparing a "Bored Jar" filled with simple activities (and chores) aimed at stopping the kids from saying I'm bored. We have...

July Newsletter 50 Family Fun Activities Under £5 Summer Starts Here The last weeks of school are upon us - some people might even finish over the next week - looking at you in Scotland and across the pond. These last weeks can be hectic for all involved. Whether you are an educator or a parent, it can be a hard slog. June was a bit of a milestone for us in the mad house as my youngest turned 20 - I am no longer a parent of teenagers. Hard to imagine that I started this website when I had two...

FIFA World Cup 2026 Over 20 Football Crafts Join in with the Football Fever Does your household have football fever? Here in the Mad House, we will be glued to each and every game and are championing England (and Scotland). This year the World Cup is being hosted for the first time by three countries - Mexico, Canada and the United States of America, and it is a great time to introduce some football (or soccer if you prefer) activities. So I have taken a look at The Mad House archives and put...

June Newsletter 75+ Things to do with Kids in June 2026 Joyous June I am so looking forward to June - I missed out on all of June last year due to being in hospital, in fact, I spent all of late spring and summer in hospital. I LOVE June, it is one of those months that fills me with joy. The lighter nights, the summer solstice, icecreams and my youngest turning 20. Yes, I will no longer have any teenagers, just young adults. Our nights will be filled with football (soccer) thanks to the World...

May Newsletter Could Do May 🌼 Could Do May – Gentle Family Fun for a Slower Month Hi lovely friends, May is here — and with it comes longer days, fresh air, and a little more space to enjoy time together. I’ve put together a brand new May Could Do List filled with simple, family-friendly ideas to inspire you this month. No pressure. Just possibilities If anything I share has ever helped you or brought a smile, and you feel able, you can buy me a cuppa here or donate here via paypal— it means...

April Newsletter Could Do April April Awaits – Crafts, Celebrations & Springtime Magic 🌸 Spring is in full swing here at the Madhouse and we’re soaking up all the small joys — longer days, blossoms blooming, and crafting chaos (in the best way!). This month is bursting with ideas, gentle celebrations, and could-do inspiration to keep the whole family feeling joyful and connected — with plenty of free printables and low-prep fun. 🐣 Don’t Miss 💌 Freebie Friday: Keep an eye on Instagram – we’ll...

March Newsletter March "Could Do" List March Magic – Fresh Starts, Family Fun & Seasonal Celebrations! Spring is just around the corner! March is a time of fresh starts, longer days, and new blooms. It’s the perfect month to enjoy small seasonal joys, celebrate special occasions, and get creative with fun family activities March is a special month for us here in the Madhouse. Our eldest turns 21 and we are celebrating our 31th wedding anniversary. Want to see my very "of the time" wedding...