Like many developers, I’ve spent the last few years working from home. At first, it sounded like paradise: no commute, more flexibility, and the chance to code in sweatpants. But there was one bug I didn’t account for… my kid.
Don’t get me wrong—I love being around her. But every time we walked past the local playground, her eyes lit up, and the request was always the same: “Can we stop and play?” Of course, I said yes. But between long lines for the swings and crowds everywhere, she barely got a turn. The disappointment on her face was harder to debug than any production issue I’ve ever faced.
That’s when I promised myself: I’ll give her a playground of her own.
Why Developers Need Backyard Playgrounds Too
Working from home means blending two worlds: productivity and parenting. And honestly, both need a little breathing room. I realized that investing in backyard playground sets wasn’t just about keeping my daughter happy—it was also about keeping my focus intact.
When she’s outside, climbing and sliding to her heart’s content, I get uninterrupted coding time. No constant “Dad, I’m bored” interruptions. No screen-time guilt. Just a healthier rhythm for both of us.
The Wooden Playground Set I Chose
I ended up buying a wooden playground set, and here’s why it works:
It looks natural in the backyard (my neighbors approve).
It’s solid and safe—important when you don’t want “urgent care” in your sprint schedule.
It has that timeless, nostalgic vibe, like the treehouses we dreamed of as kids.
Now, when my daughter runs outside to play, I can either join her for a quick swing break (best pair programming partner ever) or stay focused on my work without worrying.
The Bigger Picture
For me, adding a backyard playground set wasn’t just about convenience. It was about creating a balance—giving my daughter a space for adventure, while giving myself the space to build, debug, and deliver without constant chaos.
And let’s be real: parenting is already the hardest project you’ll ever ship. Anything that makes the process smoother deserves a spot in the toolkit.
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