The Bonell Family from Toowoomba, Queensland, holds the title of Australia’s largest family, with 16 children. Parents Jeni and Ray Bonell originally had different views on family size—Jeni never wanted kids, while Ray hoped for at least four. Over three decades later, they’ve built a household full of love, organization, and inevitable chaos.
Managing a Household of 18
With eight kids still living at home, running a household of 18 requires extreme organization. The weekly grocery bill is a staggering $600, covering essentials like:
- 50 liters of milk
- Four dozen eggs
- 14 boxes of cereal
- 45 tubs of yogurt
The Bonells follow a strict meal-planning system, often sharing budget-friendly meal ideas on YouTube, helping others navigate food costs.
Daily Life and Chores
To keep things running smoothly, the family uses a roster system:
- Once a child turns eight, they are assigned daily household chores.
- The kids rotate through tasks like sweeping, mopping, packing up after meals, and helping with cooking.
- Even their 12-year-old is capable of preparing a roast dinner for 20 people with minimal supervision.
Jeni also handles three full loads of laundry daily—about six regular loads in an average home.
Balancing Work, School, and Family Time
Between coordinating three different schools, sports activities, and part-time jobs, Jeni admits she is busier with older children than when they were little. Despite the overwhelming schedule, she and Ray prioritize family dinners and quality time together.
Stretching Every Dollar
To manage finances, the Bonells live by smart budgeting and frugality:
- Homemade meals costing between $2 and $10
- Buying in bulk and meal prepping
- Finding creative ways to cut household expenses
While they’ve faced criticism for their large family size, Jeni insists, “People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids isn’t for everyone, but it works for us.”
Final Thoughts
Life in the Bonell household is hectic but fulfilling. From feeding a small army every day to managing household responsibilities, they prove that strong family values, teamwork, and a sense of humor can make even the busiest life manageable.
Would you be able to handle life in a family of 18? 😊