When Jeni first met her husband Ray, there was one thing she believed with absolute certainty — she never wanted children.
“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?”
Jeni recalled in an interview with Mamamia.
Fast forward more than 30 years, and the couple now stands as proud parents of 16 children — building one of the largest and most remarkable families in Australia.
Feeding a Family of 18 on a Budget? Welcome to the Bonell Way
If you’re from Australia, you might already know about the Bonell family. But for many around the world, discovering them is a mix of awe, admiration — and just a little disbelief.
Raising 16 kids in Toowoomba, Queensland, Jeni and Ray Bonell have transformed daily chaos into a symphony of coordination, discipline, and love. Their family includes:
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).
Yes — that’s nine boys and seven girls, spanning more than two decades in age.
Jeni says they now spend $600 per week on groceries — and with rising inflation, that number has grown by an extra $50. With eight children still living at home, food prep is a serious operation.
Their weekly haul is jaw-dropping:
✅ 17 three-liter bottles of milk
✅ 14 boxes of cereal
✅ 45 tubs of yogurt
✅ Four dozen eggs
“We go through 50 liters of milk a week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” Jeni says.
The Art of the (Imperfect) Family Photo
Getting a family photo with 16 kids? Easier said than done.
“You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a face, or blinking,” Jeni laughs.
“But we love those moments — they make the photos real.”
While most families wrestle with two or three schedules, the Bonells balance school, sports, jobs, studies, and chores — multiplied by sixteen.
“I used to think I was busy with toddlers,” Jeni says.
“But now? Older kids have even more going on.”
Multiply the Average Family Routine by Eight
Evenings in the Bonell household are anything but ordinary. Jeni describes their nightly routine as:
“Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight — that’s us.”
Some nights, the house feels like a full-blown operation. Other times, it runs like a well-oiled machine. But every evening centers around one thing: dinner.
“Dinner is always special,” Jeni says.
“Some nights we’re eight at the table, other nights more than twenty!”
Stretching Every Dollar — and Teaching Kids the Value of Work
The Bonells are known for their unbelievably budget-friendly meals — often ranging from just $2 to $10. Jeni shares her grocery hauls and cooking tips on YouTube, helping other families manage food costs in tough times.
“Everyone’s feeling the pressure,” Jeni admits.
“You just have to plan, stay organized, and get everyone involved.”
That includes chores. The Bonell kids start pitching in from age eight, following a detailed chore roster. They’re also trained early in the kitchen.
“Our 12-year-old can put together a full roast dinner for 20 people — with almost no help,” Jeni says proudly.
Laundry? It’s another full-time task. Jeni runs three full washing machine loads daily, which equals about six regular-sized loads. And grocery trips? She never goes alone.
“I always need one of the kids to help push the second trolley,” she smiles.
Faith, Sacrifice, and Public Criticism
The Bonells are a deeply religious family and attend church regularly. But Jeni is quick to point out that their large family wasn’t driven solely by faith.
“God has a funny sense of humor,” she says.
“This just feels right for us.”
Ray, an electrician, adds:
“Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it’s right for us. People need to do what works for them.”
The family is financially independent, working hard to manage their home and responsibilities. While they receive some criticism online, Jeni remains grounded.
“Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s a sacrifice. But we don’t live off the taxpayer — we work hard.”
Growing in Every Direction
Today, two of their eldest children are married and starting families of their own, making Jeni and Ray grandparents. And just like that, the Bonell family continues to grow — with even more love to go around.
Despite their intense schedules, Jeni and Ray make time for one another.
“Do I get time alone with my wife? Of course,” Ray says with a grin.
“We make time. It’s important.”
Inside the Bonell Household System
Structure is everything in a house of 18. From school uniforms to meal prep, everything runs on a roster system.
“When a child turns eight, they join the roster,” Jeni explains.
“They rotate through sweeping, mopping, setting the table, and helping with dinner.”
Jeni also shares fun, affordable snack ideas with her followers — like air fryer egg cups and pizza bites. They’re perfect for freezing and school lunches.
The Bonell Family Legacy
For the Bonells, life isn’t perfect — but it’s real, joyful, and built on love. What started as a couple who couldn’t agree on having children became a thriving, energetic family that now inspires others around the world.
Whether it’s stretching a dollar, folding piles of laundry, or just sitting down together for a shared meal, the Bonells are proof that with humor, hard work, and heart — anything is possible.
In a world that often celebrates minimalism and independence, the Bonells remind us that family — no matter how big — is always worth it.