At 27, this mother of 8 shares her chaotic nighttime routine

Putting children to bed, a real challenge for all parents. Whether you have one, two or three children, this task can quickly turn into a nightmare. But what about when you have eight? This is the daily life of Chloé Dunstan, a 27-year-old young Australian mother. Every evening, she has to manage a chaotic nighttime routine that starts at 4:30 p.m. to put her large tribe to bed. A feat of organization and patience that few parents can imagine.

The story of Chloé Dunstan is unusual. At just 22 years old, she was already the mother of three boys: Evan, 8 years old, Otto, 7 years old, and Félix, 6 years old. But his family didn't stop there. With her husband Rohan, they welcomed five more children, bringing their total to eight. A large family that fascinates and which they decided to share on their YouTube channel, offering a glimpse of their extraordinary daily life.

What makes the Dunstan family even more exceptional is the presence of triplets and twins among their eight children. Indeed, after her first three, Chloé became pregnant with triplets, then twins. A rare situation, especially since all were conceived naturally, without medical help. A real challenge for parents who had to quickly learn how to effectively organize their home and their routine to manage such a large tribe.

In a family of ten, each daily task takes on a colossal dimension. This is especially true for meals. Chloe therefore starts preparing dinner at 4:30 p.m. to make sure everything is ready on time. On the menu, simple and quick dishes to cook like vegetable pasta. A strategic choice when it comes to feeding ten hungry mouths. While she is busy in the kitchen, the older siblings help by tidying up the playroom while the younger ones take a nap. Real teamwork to get everything ready for dinner which takes place around 6 p.m. A meal that Chloé and Rohan rarely share with their children, preferring to enjoy a moment together once their large tribe has gone to bed.

Once dinner is finished, it’s time for the bedtime routine. The children take turns taking a bath, putting on their pajamas and brushing their teeth. No television on the program, but a story read by Chloé. And not just any story! The young mother has accumulated more than 1000 books over the years, carefully arranged in a large library. A moment of calm and sharing appreciated by all before going to bed. At 8 p.m., the house is finally silent, all the children are in bed. Chloé and Rohan can then enjoy a well-deserved moment together after such a busy day. A stressful routine, but one that the family has gotten used to with time and experience.

If the Dunstan family impresses with its organization and daily management, it is far from being the only large family. According to the National Union of Family Associations (Unaf), 18% of French families with children are large families. A figure which testifies to the persistent attraction for these XXL siblings. Some go even further, like this English family who had 21 children! If the motivations vary, many parents of large families explain this choice by their own childhood, either solitary and the desire to have a large tribe, or on the contrary surrounded by brothers and sisters and the desire to recreate this dynamic.

But having a large family does not come without sacrifices. The obstacles are numerous, both financially and logistically. Shopping, going on vacation, finding suitable accommodation… Every aspect of daily life becomes a challenge when you have six or more children. However, large families also offer great opportunities for their children. Growing up surrounded by brothers and sisters means learning sharing, mutual aid and sociability. Key skills which, according to certain studies, allow children from large families to be more successful as adults.

The story of Chloe Dunstan and her extraordinary family is a beautiful example of a mother's love and devotion to her children. Despite the challenges of everyday life, this 27-year-old young mother has managed to create a well-oiled routine to manage her tribe of eight. From preparing dinner at 4:30 p.m. to bedtime stories, baths and toothbrushing, every moment of the day is carefully organized. A feat that commands admiration and proves that a mother's love can overcome anything. A beautiful life lesson that reminds us of the importance of family and time spent together, whether there are two, four or ten under the same roof.