TSeelow, Rick will respond to your question now. TSeelow, thanks for the question. This is one many groups are concerned about. They feel as though we are separating them from their children. But we must remember the purpose of Small Groups.
Community means persons can deal with deep issues.
All couples and individuals have tough issues they cannot discuss in front of their children. Persons tend to never open up if their children are in the room. Thus, some of the most important issues of life are never addressed meaning the community of believers doesn't get to respond. So, children being in the group can be extremely detrimental. This does not mean parents are uncaring about children rather this may be the only setting where parents can be completely vulnerable.