Despite how it may seem, parenting isn’t all bad. Take last night, for instance.

“I’m not tired! I’m never going to bed! NEVER!” They screeched, but in their bedroom, things took a turn.

“Daddy?” My daughter asked sweetly. “Can I tell the story tonight?”

Finally! Some parenting pay off. It’s not all threats and shouting. It’s genuine moments of loveliness like this.

Her story is amazing. A rabbit falls in love with a narwhal. They have seemingly insurmountable cultural, and physical, barriers to overcome, but in the end love triumphs. I’m moved nearly to tears, as only a parent who is sleep deprived, downtrodden, and has nearly no life, can be.

DAD'S WORLD: I'm a snot zombie, leave me be

“My turn!” My son jumps up. I try to say it’s time for bed, but he brushes me aside. My son’s story is about a large ladybird who must learn to be a karate master in order to defeat an evil dinosaur baby. It’s a full throttle action thrill ride, with very long fight scenes.

“That was amazing, son. Well done. Now, time to get into –”

My daughter jumps up and starts singing. “I am the magic unicorn queen!” She emotes, sprinkling on plenty of soul. “I flyyyyyyyy sooooo hiiiiiiiigh!!”

“That was lovely. And long. Now, time for –”

My son jumps up and starts clapping and beat boxing. “I love my family!” He sings. “They are my friends. We love each other, until the end!”

Finally he finishes, after several minutes of freestyle dancing and a final punch of the air. “OK. Everyone into bed –”

“I had a magical dream!” My daughter starts. I tell her to stop. She ploughs on regardless.

“I’m not gonna let anything stop me!” My son takes over.

I demand that he does. Soon I’m making threats and shouting.