Inside Australia’s biggest family – try not

From “No Kids” to Sixteen: Life with the Bonell Family

When Jeni Bonell first met her husband Ray, she had no plans for children.

“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy,” she told Mamamia.

Now, more than 30 years later, they’re parents to sixteen — nine boys and seven girls — ranging in age from 10 to 35.

Life in their Toowoomba, Queensland home is busy, loud, and full of love.

Despite early hesitation, Jeni says, “God has a funny sense of humor.”

Two kids are married, and the couple are now grandparents, but with at least eight children still living at home, their house is rarely quiet.

Daily Chaos and Tight Routines

Feeding this large crew is a massive task. Jeni spends about $600 a week on groceries — a number that’s risen due to inflation. “We go through 50 liters of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and four dozen eggs each week.” The laundry is just as intense, with three full loads daily.

Evenings bring a mix of routine and controlled chaos. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight,” Jeni jokes. Dinners can include more than 20 people, and kids are expected to help out early. By age 12, they can cook for the whole family.

do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”

Teamwork, Faith, and Finances

To keep things running, the Bonells rely on chore charts and shared responsibilities. “Once a child turns eight, they’re on duty,” Jeni says. Despite financial pressure, the family lives without government support. “It’s expensive,” she admits, “but we make it work.”