When Jeni met her husband Ray, she was sure of one thing—she didn’t want children. Ray, however, wanted a big family, dreaming of at least four kids. That seemed too much to Jeni at the time. Fast forward more than 30 years, and now they’re proud parents of sixteen children.
If you’ve heard of the Bonell family from Queensland’s Toowoomba, you know their life is far from ordinary. Managing a household with sixteen kids means constant activity, from feeding everyone to coordinating school and work schedules. With nine boys and seven girls, their family includes adults up to 35 years old and children as young as ten.
Jeni spends about $600 every week on groceries—up by about $50 due to inflation—to keep their large family fed. The weekly shopping list is impressive: 50 liters of milk, multiple boxes of cereal, dozens of yogurt tubs, and countless eggs. “We go through one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni shares.
Taking a family photo is no easy task. Jeni laughs about needing a wide-angle lens, as there’s always someone not looking or making a funny face. Life with sixteen kids is a whirlwind, juggling full-time and part-time jobs, school activities, and chores.
Evenings are busy and sometimes chaotic, but dinner time remains special. Some nights they gather eight around the table, other nights over twenty. Jeni is legendary for budget-friendly meals costing as little as $2 to $10 each. She shares tips on grocery savings through social media to help others manage food costs during tough times.
With so many kids, dividing chores is essential. The Bonells use a roster system, starting chores around age eight, teaching responsibility and teamwork early. Their 12-year-old can even cook a roast dinner for twenty people almost alone.
Laundry is another major task, with three full loads every day—about six normal loads. Shopping fills two full grocery trolleys weekly, and Jeni often needs help carrying it all inside.
Financially, the family works hard and pays their mortgage without relying on government help, though they face criticism for their large family. Their faith plays a part in their lives, but having sixteen kids is more about what feels right for them.
Despite the daily rush, Jeni and Ray make time for each other, knowing it’s important to nurture their relationship. Their two eldest children have moved out and started families, welcoming grandchildren that add even more joy.
Organization is key to making life work. From prepping school uniforms to chore rotations, the Bonells rely on systems and teamwork. Simple snacks like air fryer egg cups and pizza bites, often shared online by Jeni, make busy days easier.
Through the hectic schedule, love, laughter, and cooperation keep the family strong. Raising sixteen children is a huge challenge, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s a rewarding adventure filled with precious moments and shared memories. Their story is a reminder that with creativity and heart, even the biggest families can thrive.
