When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was sure of one thing — she didn’t want kids. “Ray wanted at least four. I thought that was crazy. Who has that many kids?” she told Mamamia. But now, over 30 years later, they’re proud parents to 16 children.
Based in Toowoomba, Queensland, the Bonell family’s daily life is anything but ordinary. Raising nine boys and seven girls—ranging from 10 to 35 years old—Jeni and Ray manage chaos with humor and incredible organization.
Feeding the family costs around $600 a week, which recently rose due to inflation. Their grocery list includes 17 three-liter milk bottles, 14 cereal boxes, 45 tubs of yogurt, and four dozen eggs. “We go through 50 liters of milk every week and one to two loaves of bread daily,” Jeni shares.
Getting a family photo is a challenge. “You need a super-wide lens,” Jeni laughs, “because someone’s always looking away, making a face, or blinking. But those quirks are part of the fun.”
Life with 16 kids means juggling school runs, sports, part-time jobs, and studies. “I used to think life was busy with little kids, but it’s even busier now,” Jeni says. “Our evenings are like an average family’s multiplied by eight.”
Despite the chaos, dinner is sacred. “Sometimes eight people, sometimes over 20, but always great,” Jeni says. She’s known for budget-friendly meals costing $2 to $10 and shares tips on YouTube to help others save.
Chores are divided among kids aged eight and up, and many learn to cook early — “Our 12-year-old can roast for 20 with almost no help,” Jeni says proudly. Laundry is massive: three full loads daily.
Financially, it’s tough. The Bonells juggle mortgage payments and criticism for their large family but don’t rely on government support. “People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it works for us,” Ray says.
Despite the demands, Jeni and Ray prioritize their relationship. “We make time for each other,” Ray smiles. Their two eldest are married with kids, adding to the family love and laughter.
Organization keeps the household running smoothly. Kids rotate chores on a roster starting at age eight, helping with cleaning and meal prep. Jeni’s easy snack recipes, like air fryer egg cups and pizza bites, are a hit with school lunches.
Through teamwork, love, and humor, the Bonells thrive — proving that even the biggest families can find harmony in the chaos.