Welcome to Flyertalk.

I assume you aren't a frequent flyer with elite status on any airline. That's what keeps me seated near the front of the airplane every time I fly, whether or not the kids accompany me.

Seriously, without elite status, airlines are gonna seat you where they want, and nonelites generally sit toward the back, since frequent flyers generally want to sit in the front of coach (if they aren't upgraded to First).