When Jeni first crossed paths with her husband Ray, she was absolutely convinced of one thing — having children was not in her plans.
“Ray dreamed of having at least four kids. I thought that was wild. Seriously, who has that many kids?” Jeni shared with Mamamia.
Fast forward over thirty years, and they are now the delighted parents of 16 children.
Spending $600 weekly on groceries
If you’re in Australia, you might be familiar with them, but I was genuinely surprised when I began reading about The Bonell Family.
Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but typical. From managing meals for their large family to navigating the daily hustle and bustle, Jeni and Ray Bonell have truly perfected the art of balancing it all — and they do it with plenty of humor.
Hailing from Toowoomba in Queensland, the Bonell 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 quipped, “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 raise sixteen children?
At the center of it all is Jeni, who spends an astonishing $600 each week on groceries just to keep their home stocked. With rising prices, that amount has increased by $50. For a family of 18, including 8 kids still at home, feeding everyone is no small feat.
The weekly grocery haul is quite remarkable: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and an incredible four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 litres of milk every week and consume one to two loaves of bread daily,” Jeni shares.
Getting a good family photo is difficult
It can be quite a logistical challenge for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s just part of their everyday rhythm. The family has developed a well-orchestrated routine at home.
“Capturing a good family photo is quite the task,” Jeni chuckles. “You need a super wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, making a silly face, or with their eyes shut. But we love those little imperfections in the pictures. They may not be flawless, but that’s what makes it enjoyable.”
With 16 children, it’s not merely about snapping photos — it’s about managing the whirlwind of everyday life.
Picture having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to maintain. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was hectic with little ones,” Jeni shares, “but I’m definitely busier now with older kids.” Juggling three different schools, sports activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies is no small feat. Still, Jeni wouldn’t change a thing. “Life is incredibly busy – but it’s wonderful.”
Their evening routine perfectly showcases the Bonell family dynamic. “Imagine an average-sized family multiplied by eight, and that’s what our evenings look like,” Jeni laughs.
Stretching every dollar
Some nights are complete mayhem, while other evenings run smoothly like a finely tuned machine. Yet, no matter how the night goes, one thing remains the same: dinner time. “Dinner is always fantastic,” Jeni shares. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, and other nights, it can be over 20!”
The Bonells excel at making every dollar count. Jeni is famous for her economical meals that range from $2 to $10. She frequently posts her grocery hauls on YouTube to assist others in managing their food expenses.
“It’s tough for everyone right now,” Jeni remarks, “We’re all feeling the budget squeeze.” To keep things organized, Jeni employs a chore chart to allocate household tasks, ensuring that everyone aged eight and older contributes. The children are also encouraged to learn cooking early on. “Our 12-year-old can prepare a roast dinner for 20 with hardly any help,” Jeni beams with pride.
The laundry situation in their home is just as significant. Jeni tackles three full loads of laundry daily, which is roughly equivalent to six standard loads. When it comes to grocery shopping, she fills two carts each week. “I always need one of the kids to assist with the load,” she adds.
The Bonell Family religion
The Bonells have come to understand the importance of making sacrifices when it comes to their finances. As they work on paying off their home mortgage, they still feel the weight of financial pressures. Jeni shares, “It’s costly, and you really have to adjust your budget.” She adds, “We all have jobs, and our family doesn’t rely on government support. Still, we face a lot of criticism for having so many children.”
Despite being very religious and attending church regularly, Jeni emphasizes that their large family isn’t just a product of their strong beliefs.
Jeni chuckles, saying, “God has a quirky sense of humor.” They have no regrets about their choices. Ray, an electrician, adds, “It just feels right for us. Everyone has to find what suits them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for us.”
Even with their hectic lives, Jeni and Ray carve out special moments together. “Do I get time alone with my wife? Absolutely! We prioritize each other,” Ray beams. “It’s essential to take care of one another.”
Their two eldest children have moved out and started families of their own, which enriches the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray embrace their roles as grandparents to two little ones. The Bonell family continues to expand, and with each new member, their love, laughter, and unity grow even stronger.
In their organized household, the Bonells have established a reliable routine. They prepare school uniforms and lunches the night before and have a chore rotation system in place to keep everything running smoothly.
“We have a roster system, so when a child turns eight, they join the rotation,” Jeni explains. “They take turns with chores like sweeping, mopping, setting the table, and helping with meal prep.”
When it comes to snacks, Jeni shares some of her favorites on YouTube, such as air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. These treats are easy to make, freeze well, and are ideal for school lunches.
For the Bonells, the focus is on creating a system where everyone can contribute. Despite the whirlwind of managing a household of 16, it’s evident that love, collaboration, and humor are the keys to the Bonell family’s success.
Whether it’s feeding the kids, managing the home, or sneaking in a quick coffee date, the Bonells handle it all with joy and a smile.
In the end, the Bonell family demonstrates that with a dash of creativity, a strong sense of organization, and an abundance of love, anything is possible. Raising 16 children may be challenging, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s simply part of their exciting journey.
From sharing budget-friendly meal ideas for a large family to managing the never-ending laundry, or just embracing the delightful chaos of family life, the Bonells have mastered the art of making it all work. Throughout their journey, they are building a home filled with cherished memories, laughter, and boundless love. One key takeaway from their experience is that family, no matter its size, is always a treasure.
