I imagine most everyone with kids will agree with this at some level. The environment changes dramatically. For me, I discovered that work and programming and

I imagine most everyone with kids will agree with this at some level. The environment changes dramatically. For me, I discovered that work and programming and problem solving slowed down, in a good way. While not suggesting comparability, it's something that top athletes have consistently remarked on -- how the game slowed down for them and it made them able to move about more effectively as they competed. I experienced the same thing as a developer after I had kids. Problems seemed more clearly defined, challenges seemed not so insurmountable, and alternatives with little/no chance of succeeding became more clearly defined. I absolutely attribute that to having kids, and the mindset it imposes on you as a responsible parent. It may have been that I needed something else to focus on in order to ensure I was not missing the forest for the trees. Nonetheless, having kids and being a better programmer? No one could ever convince me that's not the best outcome for my own circumstance.