My sister and I have a year between us and although we had our problems at times when we were younger (what siblings don't have some tension at some time of their life?) we are now the best of friends and I couldn't imagine her not being here.

my kids are 23 months apart and i wouldnt have it anyother way. there is almost 5 years between me and my sister and we dislike each other.

I totally disagree here - I have 2 boys 17  months apart and would never do it any other way. Yes, they do have their fights, but they love and protect each other amazingly & are great friends. I think all children fight at some stage & it can get quite bad - but this is no reason to advise people not to have children close together. This is your experience and thankyou for sharing it with us - but you haven't said if your girls have always fought like this or what you have tried to change things. Promoting good relationships within the family and in everyday life is an everyday thing & certainly something I show my children all the time.

Yet I know many people who have wonderful relationship with their siblings and they are close in age. I think it is a very individual thing. Girls that age, or any sibling really, with argue with each other at times. Perhaps they need a common interest to bond with? My eldest two children are 5 years apart. I then have a 10 year gap with another 3 children close in age. In all, I wish they were all close together. Regardless of age, helping our children to build close family relationships is the goal.

So many variables I think.

I think the ideal age gap for us is 3-5 year gap. Any less is crazy for me. I don't cope well with preg birth breastfeeding etc.

I had my 2 eldest close together and had No Problems.. When i fell Pregnant with my 3rd it  was a huge shock as there is a huge gap between her and my eldest daughter,.,. but saying that i wouldnt have it any other way now as i treat all my children the same...

I take my hat off to you to have 14 kids thats for sure..

xx cazza

Alot of people like to have children close togther but im not for it at all. I think the 1st 4 yrs of a childs life is importnant. I dont see how i could teach my child to talk, recognise colours, count ect while having a newborn who feeds every 2 hrs and with sleepless nights. Im not against it, but i wouldnt risk having children close incase i couldnt cope. If i did become pregnant i would still keep the baby but im hoping for a 3-4yr gap.