In a world where the bedtime routine for a couple of kids can seem like a Herculean task, Chloe Dunstan, a 27-year-old mother, and her husband Rohan from Perth, Australia, take on the nightly challenge of preparing eight children for bed, complete with stories and cuddles. Their bustling household is a testament to impeccable organization and a profound understanding of managing the dynamics of a large family.
Chloe, who became a mother naturally to all eight of her children, offers a glimpse into her bustling home life. By the time she turned 22, Chloe and Rohan had already welcomed three children: Evan, 8, Otto, 7, and Felix, 6. Following closely were triplets Rufus, Hank, and Pearl, now nearly 5. And with two more babies set to join the family in November, the Dunstan family is gearing up for further growth. All of this came to be through natural conception, and while the prospect of more babies might seem daunting to some, Chloe and her family are “extremely excited” to expand their fold.
Chloe’s meticulous nighttime routine kicks off around 4:30 pm, a time when most are barely thinking about dinner. For Chloe, it’s the beginning of a series of well-orchestrated tasks. The children help tidy up their playroom, and the younger ones enjoy a nap while Chloe gets cooking. The menu varies, but the goal remains consistent – preparing a nutritious meal for the whole brood. Speed is of the essence, considering her tight schedule. By 6 pm, dinner is served, and the children start enjoying their meal, often accompanied by Chloe and Rohan when time permits. On busier days, the couple waits until all the kids are asleep, a few hours later.
Following dinner, bath time begins, and the little ones take turns for baths and pajamas. Amidst the splashes and suds, Chloe also manages to care for the newborn twins while keeping an eye on the older siblings. Once bath time is wrapped up, it’s teeth-brushing time, followed by bedtime stories. Chloe’s love for books has translated into an impressive collection, spanning over a thousand titles, neatly organized on the bookshelf in color order.
As the clock nears 8 pm, the children are tucked in, ready for slumber. Only then does Chloe get a chance to spend quality time with her husband. While the routine might sound overwhelming, Chloe has mastered the art over the years. She acknowledges that things have become easier as the children have grown more independent. Reflecting on the journey, Chloe emphasizes, “The most important thing for us is prioritizing connections and happiness. Everything stems from that.”
In a world where managing a family of eight might seem like a logistical puzzle, Chloe Dunstan and her unwavering commitment to her children’s well-being and happiness stand as an inspiration. Their story is a testament to the power of love, organization, and the joy of embracing the beautiful chaos of a bustling household.
Chloe added:” All of the children are in bed by around 8pm. It’s definitely gotten easier over the years with the night-time routine as they can all now dress themselves. With the triplets there for a bit when they were young, it was a lot of work. But I think with big families you have to do whatever works for you. The most important thing for us is prioritising connections and happiness. Everything stems from that.”
