Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family
When Jeni first crossed paths with her husband Ray, she was absolutely certain of one thing: she never wanted children. Ray, on the other hand, dreamt of having at least four kids, a notion that struck Jeni as completely outlandish. “Who has that many children?” she recalled thinking. Fast forward over thirty years, and their family now proudly includes 16 children.
The Bonell Family, hailing from Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia, has carved a unique and remarkable life together. Jeni and Ray have not only embraced the chaos of raising 16 children but have also mastered the art of managing it all, often with a hearty laugh. Their lively household consists of nine boys and seven girls, with ages ranging from 35-year-old Jesse to 10-year-old Katelyn.
Life for the Bonells is like a whirlwind of activity. Jeni spends a staggering $600 each week just to keep their pantry stocked, a budget that has climbed by $50 due to inflation. Feeding a family of 18 — with eight kids still living at home — requires substantial planning and creativity. Their impressive weekly grocery list includes 17 three-liter bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and an enormous four dozen eggs. “We go through 50 liters of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni explains.
Capturing a good family photo? That’s a whole different challenge. Jeni laughs as she recounts the struggle of getting everyone to look right at the same time. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always somebody looking away or making a funny face. But those little quirks make the photos special; it’s all part of the fun.”
Juggling the needs of 16 children while managing full-time and part-time jobs is no small feat, and yet Jeni wouldn’t trade it for anything. She reflects, “I used to think life was busy with little kids, but things are even more hectic now with older children.” Coordinating schedules for three different schools, sports activities, part-time jobs, and older kids’ studies means every day is a balancing act. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good,” she says.
When evening rolls around, Jeni likens their routine to “an average-sized family multiplied by eight.” There are chaotic nights and perfectly orchestrated evenings, but one thing remains constant: dinner time. Jeni shares, “Dinner is always great; some nights we have eight at the table, and other nights more than 20!”
To make every dollar stretch, Jeni is known for her knack for budget-friendly meals that range from $2 to $10. She often shares her grocery shopping experiences on YouTube to help others manage their food costs. “Everyone is feeling the pinch with budgets right now,” she acknowledges. With a chore chart to assign household responsibilities, even the youngest kids get involved. Jeni beams with pride as she mentions that her 12-year-old can prepare a roast dinner for 20 people almost entirely on their own.
Laundry, too, piles up in a household of this size. Jeni finds herself doing three full loads daily, which is equivalent to six average-sized loads. Grocery shopping means filling up two trolleys each week, and she often enlists one of the kids to help with the load.
The Bonell family is deeply religious and attends church regularly, but Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely about their faith. “God has a funny sense of humor,” she chuckles. Despite facing criticism for having so many children, they feel a sense of fulfillment in their choices. Ray, who works as an electrician, affirms, “Having 16 kids may not be for everyone, but it feels right for us.”
Amid their bustling lives, Jeni and Ray prioritize finding time for each other. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make it a priority,” Ray smiles. As their two oldest children have left home and married, the family dynamic continues to grow with the addition of grandchildren.
To keep their lively household organized, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms the night before to a rotating chore system for the kids, they’ve figured out a way to thrive. New kids rotate into household tasks as they turn eight, helping out with chores like sweeping and meal prep. Jeni often shares simple recipe favorites with her followers, like air fryer egg cups and pizza bites, which are perfect for snacks and school lunches.
In the Bonell household, teamwork, adaptability, and a good sense of humor reign supreme. Whether it’s feeding a crowd on a budget, managing endless laundry, or squeezing in a quick coffee date, Jeni and Ray make it work. They’ve created a home filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. If there’s a lesson to take away from their story, it’s that family — no matter how big — is always an adventure worth embracing.