'Octomum' Nadya Suleman shares rare new family photo of her eight children together

There's no doubt you'll remember Nadya Suleman, who made headlines around the world in 2009 when she gave birth to octuplets following IVF treatment.

But while the kids have grown up mostly out of the spotlight, their mum - who is best known as "Octomom" - recently gave fans a rare glimpse into their life.

Taking to Instagram, Suleman posted a heartwarming photo of her eight children standing together on their first day back at school.

The sweet snap also included a touching caption from the adoring mum who described her youngest children as "exceptional role models." 

"First day of 8th grade. Be proud of yourselves kids for being kind, respectful, and helpful to all your fellow peers, teachers and staff," she began.

"You are exceptional role models to the 6th and 7th graders. I love you."

Suleman, who also has six older kids, went on to add a "side note to critics" who regularly ask about them.

"Their older siblings did not want me to post a picture on their first day. I respect their choice, so should you," she said.

The new school photo comes seven months after Noah, Maliyah, Isaiah, Nariyah, Jonah, Makai, Josiah and Jeremiah turned 13.

Suleman is also a mum to Ameerah, Calyssa, Elijah, Jonah, Joshua and Aidan who range in ages from 15 to 20. In total, she has 14 kids.

Her unusual pregnancy made her a household name – but in recent years Suleman revealed she "never wanted the attention".

"I was doing it out of desperation and scarcity so I could provide for my family," she told The New York Times in 2018.

In order to make ends meet, the Suleman took on a variety of jobs, including a stint as a porn star that she later described as "foolish, immature and selfish."