I think it may also be a sign of the times. With so many cut backs in coach, it is often a lot wiser to book them in F. It seems that the pilots put the seatbelt sign on WAY to much, having children in F, they will have a much better chance of being able to use the lavatory when they need to.
As well with the elimination of food and other reductions of service, they will also more likely get some service that they need - water, milk for bottles, spoons or other needed things to help feed babies etc etc.
I agree with the other posters, parents need to sit with their children and should have at least approached the passengers in row two to see if they could sit and mix with some of their kids in row 1 and then placed the appropriate parent next to the most needed child. Tough with four kids though.