When Jeni first met her husband, Ray, she was sure of one thing—she never wanted kids.
“Ray wanted at least four children. I thought that was crazy. Who has that many?” Jeni told Mamamia. Now, more than 30 years later, they are proud parents of 16 children.
If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real surprise when I first read about the Bonell Family.
Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but normal. From feeding their big family to managing the chaos of everyday life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have perfected the art of handling it all—while keeping things lighthearted with a good sense of humor.
The Bonell family, from Toowoomba in Queensland, consists of 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).
Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, and then someone hands you a baby.” So, what’s it like to have sixteen kids?
Jeni, the mom in charge, spends an eye-popping $600 every week just to keep their pantry full. With inflation, that budget has gone up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still at home), it takes a lot to feed everyone.
Their weekly grocery list is impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a massive four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni says.
It’s a logistical challenge for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s just part of the flow of daily life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully planned routine.
“Getting a good family photo is tough” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we love those little quirks in the photos. They’re not perfect, but that’s what makes them fun.”
With 16 kids, taking photos is just one part of the picture—it’s also about keeping up with the whirlwind of everyday life.
Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a house to manage. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m definitely busier now with older kids.” Between managing three schools, sports activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a constant balancing act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is really hectic—but it’s good.”
Their evening routine is a perfect example of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.
Some nights are total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But no matter how the evening goes, one thing remains the same: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”
The Bonells are experts at making every dollar stretch. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals, which cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.
“It’s a struggle for everyone right now,” says Jeni. “We’re all feeling the pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household duties, ensuring everyone from age eight and up pitches in. The kids also learn to cook at a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put together a roast dinner for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says proudly.
The laundry load in their house is just as massive. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which is about six average-sized loads. When it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.
When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they’re paying off their mortgage, the financial pressures are still very real. “It’s expensive, and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t rely on taxpayer money. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”
Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni emphasizes that their large family isn’t just the result of their strong faith.
“God has a funny sense of humor,” says Jeni. But they have no regrets. “It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. “People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”
Even with their busy lives, Jeni and Ray still find time for each other. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray, smiling. “It’s important to look after each other.”
Their two older children have moved out, gotten married, and added to the family, with Jeni and Ray now grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with every new addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only grow stronger.
In a family where organization is essential, the Bonells have created a strong routine. From preparing school uniforms and lunches the night before to setting up a rotation system for chores, they make it all run smoothly.
“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, cleaning up the table, and helping with meal prep.”
When it comes to snacks, Jeni shares some of her favorites on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both are easy to make, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.
For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system where everyone can pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor are what keep the family thriving.
Whether it’s feeding the kids, running the household, or squeezing in a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work—and they do it with a smile.
In the end, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, solid organization, and lots of love, anything is possible. Raising 16 kids may not be easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s just part of the adventure.
Whether it’s sharing tips for feeding a big group on a budget, managing endless laundry, or embracing the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it work. Through it all, they’re creating a home filled with memories, laughter, and endless love. The one thing we can all learn from them is that family—no matter how big—is always worth it.