Journey of the Dougherty Dozen: Navigating the Challenges and Joys of Raising 11 Children
Raising a large family of 11 children comes with its own set of challenges, as Alicia and Josh Dougherty, known as the Dougherty Dozen, share their journey with their 12 million followers. Alicia's grocery shopping for the family often goes viral, with her spending up to $1,200 a week due to rising costs. With a mix of biological and adopted children, the family navigates the complexities of raising kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and other challenges.
Alicia and Josh have adopted six children with FASD and recently welcomed 15-year-old Dayshawn into their family. Despite the financial strain of raising a large family, Alicia has turned social media into a full-time job to support her family. However, the online attention has not always been positive, leading to instances where they needed to hire security due to intense backlash.
Despite the challenges, Alicia remains committed to sharing their story and providing for her family. She navigates the complexities of parenting adult children with FASD and bipolar disorder, finding joy in their achievements and supporting them through their struggles. The family prioritizes one-on-one time with each child, cherishing the moments amid the chaos of their busy household.