Being a parent to just one child can be challenging, but imagine having to put down nine kids for bed every night! Meet Chloe Dunstan, a 30-year-old mother from Australia who has become an expert at managing the chaos and maximizing quality time with her husband, Rohan. Their unique approach to downtime has left the entire family buzzing with excitement. Keep reading to find out more!
Chloe and Rohan Dunstan have seen their family grow exponentially over the past decade. By the time Chloe was just 22 years old, she already had six children: Evan (11), Otto (10), Felix (9), and triplets Rufus, Henry (Hank), and Pearl (8). As if that wasn’t enough, three-year-old twins Sylvie and Cosmo, as well as little Birdie (turning two in March), came along to complete their beautiful family.
Having such a large family can certainly be hectic, but Chloe considers it a true blessing. She shared, “Although it is not always easy, I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have six happy and healthy kids.” She also mentioned how the close age gap between her children allows them to understand and enjoy each other’s company.
To manage the busyness that comes with a big family, Chloe and Rohan quickly established a strict schedule and became masters of organization. Bedtime routines start early in their household, ensuring that everyone gets enough rest.
Chloe documents their family life on her YouTube channel, Life with Beans, where she shares special moments like birthdays, schooling, mealtime, and their daily routines. In one video, she gives viewers a glimpse into their evening ritual, which starts at 4:30 p.m. Chloe prepares a nutritious yet simple dinner while the older kids tidy up the playroom, and the little ones nap in their rockers. The video even captures the entertaining “random dance party” that the kids have.
By 6 p.m., the entire family sits down for dinner, and sometimes Chloe and Rohan join them, or they wait until the kids are asleep to eat. After dinner, the kids take turns having baths, and while Chloe attends to the little ones, the older ones slip into matching pajamas. Once teeth are brushed, hair is combed, and pajamas are on, Chloe reads them a bedtime story from her vast collection of books.
Managing a large family can certainly be a challenge, but Chloe believes in doing what works for them. She mentioned, “With the triplets being young, it was a lot of work. But I think with big families, you have to do whatever works for you. It’s definitely gotten easier over the years.”
Mornings are filled with getting the kids washed and ready for the day. Some of the older kids head off to school, while Chloe homeschools the others. It’s a juggle managing three kids in school, three kids in homeschooling, and taking care of the babies, but Chloe thrives on the busyness and enjoys having lots of little ones to care for.
And just when you thought their family couldn’t get any bigger, Chloe announced in August 2023 that she is expecting baby number 10! Due in February 2024, this little girl will complete their beautiful family. Chloe is savoring every moment of her pregnancy and eagerly awaiting her arrival.
Managing a career, homeschooling, and a household of this size can be challenging, but for Chloe and Rohan, it’s all about maximizing family time. They believe that spending quality time together is of utmost importance.
What an incredible story of love, chaos, and joy! Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass along this heartwarming story to let others be inspired by this amazing family.
