Inside the Hectic Life of Australia’s Biggest Family
When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she didn’t want to have kids. “Ray dreamed of having at least four kids. I thought that was wild. Seriously, who has that many kids?” Jeni shared with Mamamia.
Fast forward more than thirty years, and now, Jeni and Ray are the proud parents of 16 children, a far cry from her initial stance on parenting.
A Family Like No Other
The Bonell family is a sight to behold, especially for those who live in Australia. Hailing from Queensland’s Toowoomba, Jeni and Ray Bonell manage a large family of 16 kids. Far from the norm, they’ve managed to adapt to their extraordinary lifestyle while keeping things light-hearted and fun.
Their kids range in age from Jesse, 35, to Katelyn, 10. The list includes nine boys and seven girls: Jesse, 35; Brooke, 34; Claire, 31; Natalie, 30; Karl, 28; Samuel, 26; Cameron, 25; Sabrina, 24; Tim, 22; Brandon, 20; Eve, 19; Nate, 17; Rachel, 16; Eric, 15; Damian, 14; and Katelyn, 10.
As comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, having a fourth child is like “drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So, what’s it like for the Bonells with 16 kids?
Grocery Bills That Keep Growing
Jeni’s grocery bills are nothing short of astonishing. She spends $600 a week on food to keep the kitchen stocked — and that’s just for the eight kids still living at home. With prices rising, Jeni’s weekly bill has increased by $50. Feeding a family of 18 is no small feat!
The Bonells’ grocery list includes:
- 17 three-litre bottles of milk
- 14 boxes of cereal
- 45 tubs of yogurt
- Four dozen eggs
“We go through 50 litres of milk each week, and one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni explains.
Capturing the Chaos
With such a large family, even something as simple as taking a family photo becomes a challenge. “Getting a nice family picture is tough,” Jeni says with a chuckle. “You need a super wide lens, and there’s always someone not looking, making a silly face, or with their eyes shut. But we love those little moments in the photos. They might not be perfect, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Life in the Bonell household is a constant whirlwind. From managing three different schools, sports practices, part-time jobs, and homework, Jeni and Ray have become experts at juggling responsibilities. “Life is super busy — but it’s great,” Jeni shares.
A Well-Oiled Routine
In their household, everything has its place. The Bonells have figured out how to make it all work with a well-rehearsed routine. “Imagine a regular-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evenings are like,” Jeni laughs. Despite the chaos, dinner time is always an occasion. Some nights, only eight people are at the table, while on others, it’s more than 20!
Jeni is famous for her budget-friendly meals, often sharing her shopping tips on YouTube. Her grocery lists usually range between $2 and $10 per meal. “It’s tough for everyone right now,” she says. “We’re all feeling the budget squeeze.” But with the help of her trusty chore chart, everyone, from the age of eight and up, pitches in to keep things running smoothly. Jeni proudly shares, “Our 12-year-old can prepare a roast dinner for 20 people with hardly any help.”
Tackling the Never-Ending Laundry
The laundry in their house is another task that never seems to end. Jeni does about three full loads of laundry every day, which adds up to six regular-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two carts every week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the groceries,” she adds.
Balancing the Budget
Even though the Bonells are still paying off their mortgage and feel the financial strain, they’ve managed to make it work. “It’s costly, and we definitely have to adjust our budget,” Jeni explains. “We all have jobs, and we don’t rely on government support.” Still, the family often faces criticism for having such a large brood.
Despite being deeply religious and attending church regularly, Jeni insists their big family isn’t solely because of their faith. “God has a unique sense of humor,” she laughs. But she and Ray don’t regret their decision. Ray, an electrician, shares, “It just feels right for us. Everyone has to choose what’s best for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it works for us.”
Prioritizing Their Relationship
Even with their packed schedules, Jeni and Ray make sure to spend time together. “Do I get time alone with my wife? Absolutely! We prioritize each other,” Ray says with a grin. “It’s really important to take care of one another.”
Their two oldest children have moved out and gotten married, adding a new layer to their growing family. Now, Jeni and Ray are grandparents to two little ones, further expanding their ever-growing household.
The Bonell Family’s System
Organization is key in the Bonell household. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotating system for chores, the Bonells have mastered the art of family life. “We have a system for chores,” Jeni explains. “When a kid turns eight, they join the roster.” Kids take turns sweeping, mopping, packing the table, and helping with meal prep. The Bonells even share some of their favorite snack ideas on YouTube, like air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites — quick, easy snacks perfect for school lunches.
The Takeaway: Family Is Everything
In the end, the Bonell family proves that with creativity, good organization, and a lot of love, anything is possible. Raising 16 kids is undoubtedly tough, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all worth it. Their big family is built on love, laughter, and cooperation. Whether they’re feeding the kids, managing the chaos, or sneaking in a quick coffee break, the Bonells know how to handle it all.
For Jeni and Ray, their family, no matter how big, is always worth it. Through the daily hustle, they’re building memories and creating a home filled with joy. And for them, that’s the most important thing.