Emmett,

The front seats in coach (bulkhead) are not usually all elite seats. These seats (at least on one side) are often held until 2 hrs before a flight for persons requiring extra assistance, such as people with a physical impairment, in which case they are released sooner. Securing bulkhead seating is really a crapshoot, depending on when you book, how crowded the flight is, and even who you speak to on the phone. Elite seats are usually available from the second row back, and sometimes some of the bulkhead seats. Does this help clear this up for you?

Also, how young are the children you are speaking of? My daughter has been Elite since she was three years old, much to the chagrin of business travelers who pass by her sitting in F on their way back (lol)..