As you get further in the book you see the effect that the neglect and manipulation and lies end up taking on the kids. They keep secrets from their parents because they’re scared of their response, they end up having to take care of eachother and grow up faster than most kids. Because they’ve been raised to not be afraid of anything and to take the pain they end up making stupid decisions. They also end up getting bullied and treated in ill-mannered ways because of the how they look and act. The further along ypu get in the book, the more messed up the story gets.