Parents always make their worst mistakes with their oldest children. That's when parents know the least and care the most, so they're more likely to be wrong and also more likely to insist that they're right.

Peter, you're twelve years old. I'm ten. They have a word for people our age. They call us children and they treat us like mice.

You're a monster.
Thanks. Does this mean I get a raise?
No, just a medal. The budget isn't inexhaustable.

Cover your butt. Bernard is watching.

So you love me," said Petra softly when the kiss ended.

I'm a raging mass of hormones thet I'm too young to understand," said Bean. "You're a female of a closely related species. According to all the best primatologists, I really have no choice."

That's nice," she said...

There's only one thing that will make them stop hating you. And that's being so good at what you do that they can't ignore you.