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Rearing children is no easy task. While many derive happiness from parenthood, they also acknowledge the daily challenges it brings. One mother has taken on the responsibility of 12 children, with six adopted and four being her own by birth.
The online community is deeply touched by how she raises her adopted twins alongside her biological son, treating them like triplets. In spite of the evident hurdles, she cherishes every moment of her role as a mother to a large family.
“Twins by Adoption, Triplets at Heart!
While most families comprise one or two children, there are a few with four or five, leaving friends in awe and pondering how they manage. Alicia Dougherty stands out with her brood of 12, seven of whom are adopted. While this might sound daunting to many, Alicia relishes her role as a mother. She gives insights into their daily life on their TikTok account, ‘doughertydozen’. One of her most viewed videos shares the heartwarming tale of raising her adopted twins alongside her biological son, treating them as triplets.”
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The adopted twins and Alicia’s biological son were all born in 2014, making them the same age. They currently share a classroom in the second grade. To Alicia, it felt natural to bring them up as triplets. “Our adopted twins and biological son have been raised as triplets for most of their lives, since they were all born in 2014 and are now in the second grade,” Alicia shared. “Challenge their bond by saying they’re not triplets, and they’ll set you straight.”
Their bond captivated many online, with numerous comments highlighting the evident love between the boys, irrespective of their skin color. One user remarked, “Skin color is irrelevant; their love for each other shines through… triplets forever.” Another chimed in, saying, “They’re free to be whoever they wish to be!” And yet another added, “Such stunning triplets!”
Many were hasty in forming opinions
Even with the evident bond between the adopted twins and her biological son, and their clear joy in being raised as triplets, Alicia wasn’t spared from occasional criticism. While such negativity could dishearten many, Alicia remains steadfast in her belief that mothering her large family is her true calling. Thus, she continues to radiate positivity, choosing to overlook the adverse comments from individuals she refers to as “trolls.”
Adopted Twins, Their Brother, and Seven Others
The ‘Doughertydozen’ TikTok account boasts an impressive 4.9 million followers. These fans eagerly anticipate updates about the twin triplets and the family’s daily experiences, given their sizeable number. Alicia doesn’t shy away from sharing the challenges she and her husband encounter as parents. Beyond just spreading their attention thin, Alicia has opened up about each of her adopted children grappling with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and associated behavioral challenges. She’s now leveraging her TikTok platform to raise awareness about children facing similar struggles.
After experiencing certain challenges with their first adopted son, Alex, they developed effective strategies to manage his “meltdowns.” This competence led to them being entrusted with more adoptions. “So many people had written these kids off,” Alicia shared in an interview with People. “But we were recognized as the couple that wouldn’t.” She continued, “We’ve come to be known as parents equipped to navigate these challenging behaviors.”
