People Call Mom of 12 ‘Irresponsible’, Claiming She Uses Kids as a ‘Cash Cow’ – She Proves Them Wrong

Zoe Sullivan, a 44-year-old stay-at-home mother, and her hardworking husband, Ben, 48, navigate the challenges of raising a growing family together. Zoe, a mother for 19 long years, skillfully manages their bustling household, caring for their kids aged between one and 18.

Settled in Moray, Scotland, Zoe and Ben bravely raise her brood of 12. The joyful chaos of the Sullivan residence is shared by Elizabeth, 18, Olivia, 16, twins Isabelle and Charlotte, 15, Noah, 13, Evangeline, 11, Tobias, 10, twins Leah and Erin, seven, Agnes, five, Joseph, four, and baby Florence, one.

The couple honestly showcases their unique family dynamics on social media. But such transparency has also drawn some unwelcome criticisms.

Regrettably, Zoe has been accused online of using her children as a “cash cow,” and told that to keep having children is deemed “irresponsible.” Furthermore, some critics have gone so far as to question the children’s weight, insinuating a lack of proper nutrition. She dismisses the naysayers, stating, “Some people do judge us for having 12 children, but it’s their opinion.”

In defiance, Zoe maintains, “We provide for them financially, mentally, physically… we provide everything they need.” Unwavering in her convictions, she staunchly asserts that their choice of a large family isn’t irresponsible.

Previously, Zoe found herself deeply wounded by these cruel words, viewing them as personal attacks. However, with time, she has learned to filter out the negativity and continues to share their family life unabashedly. The Sullivan brood leads a bustling life filled with dance classes, soccer matches, gymnastics, college prep, creative activities, homemade treats, and family outings.

Their weekly expenditure on groceries comes to a steady $400, which includes toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers, and a small allowance for the older children to buy their school lunches. Over recent years, Zoe has kept this sum constant, diligently scanning product prices across several grocery stores and choosing budget-friendly substitutes over premium brands when necessary.

Zoe employs simple yet effective meal-preparation strategies to feed her large family while minimizing waste. She frequently relies on one-pot meals—from soups and pasta to dishes centered around a 2.2 pounds bag of potatoes—supplementing these with items stored in the freezer.

However, the area where Zoe has significantly tightened the belt is the consumption of treats—motivated by economic and health considerations. Sweetened drinks and snacks such as chocolates and chips are mostly saved for weekend enjoyment.

“They had more over Christmas but we’ve cut back on that to maintain the rest of the stuff we do in life,” admits Zoe. According to her, when planning a beach outing, they prefer to carry cookies or pack a picnic, as purchasing food from the grocery store is more economical than eating out.

Moreover, the Sullivan family has a YouTube channel. Through this platform, they share their adventures and experiences while addressing queries from their online audience.

In a video shared on May 21, 2023, the family showed their jam-packed Saturday. Zoe recounted their day filled with excitement and activities. They kicked off with the a stroll to Leah and Erin’s swimming class, followed by a visit to the barber for Noah and Toby’s haircuts.

While the boys were getting their hair cut, Agnes had a splendid time at her friend’s birthday party, conveniently located near the barbershop. After lunch, Agnes was picked up from the party. The family then embarked on a delightful trip to Elgin for an exhilarating afternoon at the fair.

Zoe also curates a family-oriented Instagram account. The family relished a pleasant walk in the woods a few days ago. They also were fortunate to experience pleasant weather during their visit to the fair on Saturday and during their woodland stroll despite the prevalent rain.

Adding to the week’s outings, Agnes attended her first-ever swimming lesson. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she adored the experience. Closing the day, Zoe admitted to running a bit late, as she had only recently returned from the family’s weekly grocery run.