My 4yo just destroyed my entire work setup

Nov 211 min read

Had a call with a client today while the kids were supposed to be napping. My 4-year-old somehow figured out how to unplug my monitor, mouse, keyboard, and printer, then proceeded to use them as "hockey sticks" with a tennis ball. By the time I heard the crashing sounds, there was already a dent in the wall and my keyboard had a key missing. He looked at me so proud and said "I'm helping fix your computer, daddy."

I'm still not sure if I should laugh or cry. The client thought it was hilarious which is the only reason I still have a job.

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Comments(7)

TTodd N.Regular1d ago

So glad your client laughed because honestly that could've gone south fast. But real talk—have you thought about getting a locking door for your office? I installed a cheap deadbolt on mine after my 3yo decided to "reorganize" my desk cables. Game changer. Now I can actually take calls without barricading myself in.

TTony F.Regular1d ago

lmao the "I'm helping fix your computer daddy" gets me every time. That's peak 4yo logic right there.

CChris P.Regular1d ago

Did he at least get a goal? 😂 In all seriousness though, kids that age have absolutely zero concept of cause and effect. He genuinely thought he was doing something helpful because in his brain "dad's computer broken = dad needs help." Still doesn't make it less infuriating when you're mid-client call, but at least there's a logic to the chaos.

MMike F.Regular1d ago

The tennis ball as a hockey stick detail is killing me. At least he had a vision, even if it involved destroying your entire setup lol

CCarl S.Regular1d ago

Wait so which key is missing from the keyboard? Some of those are easy to pop back on if it's just the cap that came off.

MMarcus J.Regular1d ago

The spacebar, unfortunately. And yeah I tried popping it back on but the little plastic clip broke clean off. Guess I'm shopping for a new keyboard now lol

SSam Y.Regular1d ago

This is why I work with a baby gate setup now. Petty? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. You could also try a white noise machine in their room during nap time so they actually stay asleep. Our 4yo was doing the same thing until we realized he just wasn't actually tired—he was bored in bed. We added a little basket of quiet toys (magnetic tiles, picture books) and suddenly nap time became a thing again. Might buy you the peace you need for client calls.