What is the relationship between Bruno and his parents?

Bruno's father is very much a member of the old school when it comes to parenting. He is a distant figure, incapable of showing much in the way of loving affection. He is incredibly strict at home, and he sternly forbids Bruno from entering his office unless explicitly instructed. He also makes it abundantly clear to his son that the fence at "Out-With" is strictly out of bounds.
Bruno is not happy about the move from Berlin to Poland; he even thinks his father is stupid for making such a move. But he will not dare challenge him face to face; he is much too afraid of him. As a fanatical Nazi and a believer in strict hierarchies of power, it is not surprising that Bruno's father treats his son as if he is another one of his many subordinates in the SS. As Bruno is too young to know any better, he acquiesces in such treatment, albeit reluctantly.
Bruno's relationship to his mother, though closer, is still far from ideal. But it never can be ideal, due to the horrifyingly surreal situation in which the family finds itself. Bruno's mother is determined to protect him from the harsh realities of death and destruction that exists on their doorstep. In that sense, she acts almost as her husband's second-in-command, his enforcer; she ensures that all is neat and orderly on the domestic front. Among other things, this means that Bruno and his mother can never develop a normal relationship. Although she spends more time with her son than Bruno's father, and though she displays much more outward affection, her ultimate loyalty lies with her husband and the regime he serves. As a good Nazi wife, she must always put the needs of the state ahead of her children.