A proud mum-of-12 has spoken out after cruel trolls criticised her family. Parents Zoe and Ben Sullivan love raising one of Scotland's largest families, and regularly share sweet updates with their social media followers.
Luckily for fans, they have plenty updates to share on account of their busy household.
The couple live in a four-bedroom house on military quarters with their children: Elisabeth, 18, Olivia, 16, Noah, 13, Evangeline, 11, Tobias, 10, Agnes, 5, and Joseph, 4, two sets of twins, Charlotte and Isabelle, 15, and Leah and Erin, 7, and baby Flo, 1.
Unfortunately, the pair, who both take a 'hands-on' approach to parenting, have been on the receiving end of harsh criticism.
Talking to Truly, she revealed: "We get negativity for having a large family." The mum also read out several cruel comments left by social media users. These included: "Stop buying so much c**p and you might be able to pay what you owe," and "your baby is obviously just your cash cow."
Keen to set the record straight, the pair, who divide childcare responsibilities whenever Ben is home from work, said: "We provide for them financially, mentally, physically… we provide everything they need. For us, no it's not irresponsible." Defending her family, the parent added: "Some people do judge us for having 12 children, but it's their opinion."
Fortunately, the family's experience online is not wholly negative.
Zoe says she's learned how to better ignore the comments that feel like personal attacks. The family also receive messages of support and encouragement from fellow parents.
One recent video of the group enjoying a trip to Centre Parcs delighted viewers when it was shared on Instagram. In the clip, an onscreen caption says: "The bonds that our children have with each other are so very important.
They all have such special relationships with each other and their bonds are unbreakable."
One supporter replied: Just lovely, so lucky to have each other." A second said: "Large families are so special." And another revealed: "What a lovely picture, I'm 79 never had any siblings, always wanted a sister, must be nice having siblings."
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