When Jeni first crossed paths with her husband Ray, she knew one thing for sure — having children was not in her plans.
“Ray was set on having at least four kids. I thought that was insane. I mean, who even has that many kids?” Jeni shared with Mamamia.
Fast forward more than thirty years, and they are now the proud parents of 16 kids.
Spending $600 each week on groceries.
If you’re from Australia, you might be familiar with them, but for me, it was truly surprising when I first began reading about the Bonell family.
Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 children in Australia, is far from ordinary. From preparing meals for their large family to managing the whirlwind of everyday tasks, Jeni and Ray Bonell have perfected the art of balancing everything — all while keeping a sense of humor intact.
The Bonell family, based in Toowoomba, Queensland, is made up 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 humorously quipped, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Picture yourself drowning, and then someone hands you a baby.” So, what’s the experience of raising sixteen children really like?
Jeni, the mother in charge, spends an eye-popping $600 each week on groceries just to keep their pantry full. With inflation taking its toll, that amount has risen by $50. Feeding a family of 18 (including 8 kids still at home) requires a significant amount of food to keep everyone satisfied.
The weekly grocery list is truly remarkable: 17 three-liter bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and an astonishing four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 liters of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread daily,” Jeni shares.
Capturing a perfect family photo is not easy.
It’s a logistical challenge for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s just part of their daily rhythm. Their home life follows a meticulously planned routine.
“Getting a decent family photo is tough,” Jeni laughs. “You need a super-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking the other way, making a silly face, or with their eyes shut. But we love those little imperfections in the photos. They might not be flawless, but that’s what makes them fun.”
With 16 kids, it’s not just about snapping photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of everyday life.
Picture having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time gigs, and a household to manage. That’s the daily reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was hectic with young kids,” Jeni says, “but these days, it’s even busier with older children.” Juggling three different schools, sports activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ academics, it’s a constant balancing act. Still, Jeni wouldn’t change a thing. “Life is chaotic – but it’s great.”
The evening routine in their home perfectly mirrors the Bonell family dynamic. “Take a typical family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening looks like,” Jeni laughs.
Making every dollar stretch
Some nights are complete chaos; other nights, everything clicks into place like a perfectly running machine. But no matter how the evening goes, one thing remains constant: dinner time. “Dinner is always wonderful,” Jeni says.Some nights, there are eight of us at the table; other nights, we have over 20!”
The Bonells are experts at making every dollar count. Jeni is famous for her affordable meals, usually costing between $2 and $10. She frequently shares her grocery hauls on YouTube to assist others in managing their food expenses.
“It’s tough for everyone right now,” says Jeni. “We’re all feeling the budget squeeze.” To stay on track, Jeni uses a chore chart to assign household tasks, ensuring that everyone age eight and up helps out. The kids are also taught to cook early on. “Our 12-year-old can prepare a roast dinner for 20 people with almost no help,” Jeni says, beaming with pride.
The laundry in their house is just as overwhelming. Jeni tackles three full loads of laundry daily, which is equivalent to about six regular-sized loads. As for grocery shopping, Jeni fills two carts each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the haul,” she says.
The Bonell family’s faith
The Bonells have learned to make sacrifices when it comes to their finances. While they continue to pay off their home mortgage, the financial strain remains significant. “It’s costly, and you definitely have to adjust your budget,” Jeni explains. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t rely on taxpayer support. That said, we do face a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”
Though the Bonells are devoutly religious and regularly attend church, Jeni emphasizes that their large family isn’t just the outcome of their deep faith.
“God has a funny sense of humor,” Jeni says. However, they have no regrets. “It just feels right for us,” says Ray, an electrician. “People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it works for us.”
Despite their hectic schedules, Jeni and Ray carve out time for themselves. “Do I get any alone time with my wife? Absolutely, we make sure to prioritize each other,”says Ray with a grin. “It’s crucial to take care of one another.”
Their two eldest children have moved out and gotten married, further enriching the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray step into the role of grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s a clear sign that the Bonell family continues to grow. Yet with every new addition, the love, laughter, and bond only strengthen.
Inside their scheduling system
In a household where organization is essential, the Bonells have established a strong routine. From preparing school uniforms and lunches the evening before to setting up a chore rotation, the Bonells make it all come together.
“We have a roster system, so when a child turns eight, they’re added to the list,” Jeni explains. “They rotate through tasks like sweeping, mopping the floor, clearing the table, and assisting with meal prep.”
When it comes to snacks, Jeni has some go-to favorites she shares with her followers on YouTube, like air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. These snacks are easy to make, freeze well, and are ideal for school lunches.
For the Bonells, it’s all about building a system where everyone can pitch in and help out. Despite the whirlwind of running a household of 16, it’s evident that love, teamwork, and humor are what keep the Bonell family flourishing.
Whether it’s feeding the children, managing the home, or squeezing in a quick coffee break, the Bonells make it all happen — and they do so with a smile.
At the end of the day, the Bonell family demonstrates that with some creativity, strong organization, and a whole lot of love, anything is possible. Raising 16 kids may not be a walk in the park, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the journey.
Whether it’s offering advice on feeding a crowd without breaking the bank, staying on top of the never-ending laundry, or simply embracing the hustle of family life, the Bonells know how to make it all work. Through it all, they’re building a home filled with cherished memories, laughter, and boundless love. If there’s one thing we can learn from them, it’s that family—no matter how large—is always worth it.
