Still, we needn't have seen child actors or families on-screen. We could have gotten many more discussions in the Ready Room or on the Bridge about the children, civilians and families onboard, to remind us that they are still a major factor in the series.
Rather, Ent-D operated much like TOS Enterprise, doing starship duties that really were not appropriate or suitable for the intended mission of the Ent-D.
Many eps and situations happened without a word or acknowledgement of the kids and civilians on the ship. You'd think it'd be a major factor in all those conference room meetings.