Behind the Scenes of Australia’s Largest Family: A Day in the Life

When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Who even has that many?” Jeni told Mamamia.

Fast forward over three decades, and the Bonells are now the proud parents of 16 children.

With a grocery bill that hits $600 every week, life for the Bonell family, raising 16 kids in Australia, is far from ordinary. From managing a constantly bustling household to feeding their large crew, Jeni and Ray have mastered the chaos — and they do it all with a sense of humor.

The Bonell family, hailing from Toowoomba, Queensland, is made up of nine boys and seven girls. Their kids range from Jesse, 35, to Katelyn, 10, with a mix of ages in between. 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 to have 16?

Jeni, the matriarch, spends an astounding $600 a week on groceries, and with inflation driving costs up, that budget has risen by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still at home), it takes a lot of food to keep everyone well-fed. Their weekly grocery list includes 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and four dozen eggs.

“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni shares.

Getting a good family photo is a logistical challenge. “You need an extra-wide lens,” Jeni laughs. “And there’s always someone looking away or pulling a funny face. But we love those little quirks. They make the photo even more memorable.”

With 16 kids, keeping up with daily life is a full-time job. Jeni, who juggles a busy schedule that includes coordinating three schools, part-time jobs, and overseeing her older children’s studies, says, “I used to think life was busy with little kids, but I’m busier now with the older ones. Life is hectic, but it’s good.”

Their evening routine is an organized chaos that Jeni likens to multiplying an average-sized family by eight. While some nights everything falls into place, on others, it’s a whirlwind. Regardless of how the evening unfolds, dinner time is always a highlight. “Some nights, we have eight at the table, other nights over 20!” Jeni explains.

The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares tips on her YouTube channel to help others manage their grocery costs. “It’s a struggle for everyone right now,” Jeni acknowledges. To keep the household organized, she uses a chore chart to assign duties to kids age eight and up, and they learn to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can make a roast dinner for 20 people with little supervision,” Jeni proudly says.

Laundry is equally intense. Jeni does three full loads daily, which amounts to six average-sized loads. When it’s grocery shopping time, she fills up two trolleys each week — and always enlists the help of one of the kids.

The Bonells are deeply religious and attend church regularly, but Jeni is quick to point out that their large family isn’t the result of their faith alone. “God has a funny sense of humor,” she says, smiling. While raising 16 kids isn’t for everyone, Jeni and Ray wouldn’t have it any other way. “It feels right for us,” says Ray. “People have to do what works for them.”

Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray still find time for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course! We make time for each other,” says Ray. Their two older children are married now, and Jeni and Ray are grandparents, which only adds to the family dynamic.

In a house where organization is essential, the Bonells have a roster system for chores. “When a kid turns eight, they get added to the roster,” Jeni explains. They rotate responsibilities like sweeping, mopping, and meal prep. For school lunches, Jeni shares some of her favorite, easy-to-make snacks, like air fryer egg cups and pizza bites, which are simple, freeze well, and are perfect for lunches.

Despite the chaos, love, teamwork, and humor are what keep the Bonell family going. Whether it’s managing the household or finding time for a coffee date, they make it all work with a smile.

At the end of the day, the Bonells prove that with creativity, organization, and plenty of love, anything is possible. Raising 16 kids is no small feat, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure. From feeding a crowd on a budget to keeping up with laundry or simply enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells are building a home full of memories, laughter, and love. And if there’s one thing we can learn from them, it’s that family — no matter how big — is always worth it.