When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain about one thing — she didn’t want to have children.
“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was insane. Who has that many kids?” Jeni told Mamamia.
Now, more than thirty years later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.
A $600 Grocery Bill Every Week
If you’re from Australia, you may have heard of the Bonell family. But for me, it was a real eye-opener when I first read about them.
Life for the Bonell family, based in Toowoomba, Queensland, is far from ordinary. Raising 16 kids, managing daily life, and keeping up with all the chaos has become second nature for Jeni and Ray Bonell, and they tackle it all with a hefty dose of humor.
The Bonells’ family 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, then someone hands you a baby.” So, what’s it like having sixteen kids?
Jeni, the mother in charge, spends a staggering $600 every week just to keep their pantry full. With inflation, that bill has increased by $50. For a family of 18 (with eight kids still living at home), feeding everyone is no small task.
A typical grocery list includes 17 three-liter bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 liters of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.
Family Photos Are a Challenge
Managing a household of 16 is a logistical feat, but the Bonells have found their rhythm. Their home life is a carefully orchestrated routine.
“Getting a good family photo is hard,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need a super-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, making a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we love those little quirks in the photos. They’re not perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”
With 16 kids, it’s not just about capturing a picture — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.
A Busy Schedule with No Breaks
Imagine balancing 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni. “But I’m even busier now with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a constant juggling act. Yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is hectic – but it’s good.”
Their evening routine reflects their family dynamic perfectly. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evenings are like,” Jeni laughs.
Stretching Every Dollar
Some nights are total chaos, while others go smoothly. But one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni says. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights, more than 20!”
The Bonells have mastered the art of stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals, which range from $2 to $10. She often shares her grocery hauls on YouTube to help others save on food costs.
“It’s tough for everyone right now,” says Jeni. “We’re all feeling the pinch.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide up household tasks, making sure everyone 8 years and older helps out. The kids are also taught to cook early on. “Our 12-year-old can make a roast dinner for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says proudly.
Laundry is another massive task. Jeni does three full loads every day, which adds up to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help me,” she laughs.
Financial Challenges and Family Values
The Bonells have had to make sacrifices when it comes to finances. While they pay off their mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive, and we definitely make sacrifices,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and we don’t rely on the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”
Though the Bonells are deeply religious and attend church regularly, Jeni insists their large family isn’t solely due to their faith.
“God has a funny sense of humor,” she says. But, despite the challenges, 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 works for us.”
Even with their busy lives, Jeni and Ray still make time for each other. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”
Their two oldest children have left home and gotten married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. The Bonell family keeps growing, but with each new addition, the love, laughter, and togetherness only deepen.
Organization is Key
In a family as large as theirs, organization is crucial. The Bonells have established a solid routine, from prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores.
“We have a roster system,” says Jeni. “When a child turns eight, they get added to the roster. They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, clearing the table, and helping with meal prep.”
For snacks, Jeni has some go-to recipes she shares with her fans on YouTube, like air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both are simple to make, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.
The Bonells have created a system where everyone pitches in, and despite the chaos, love, teamwork, and humor keep the family going strong.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and a whole lot of love, almost anything is possible. Raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s part of the adventure.
Whether it’s feeding a crowd on a budget, managing endless laundry, or simply enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells make it work — and they do it with a smile. Through it all, they’re building a home filled with memories, laughter, and love.
If there’s one lesson to take away from their story, it’s that family — no matter how big — is always worth it.
