Evelyn: Who are we if we can't protect them? We have to protect them.
Marcus Abbott: You still love her, right?
Lee Abbott: Of course I do.
Marcus Abbott: You should tell her.
Evelyn: Your father will protect you. Your father will always protect you.
Regan Abbott: It. Won't. Work.
Lee Abbott: I love you. I've always loved you.
Evelyn: Where are they?
Lee Abbott: I'll find them.
Marcus Abbott: He'll come for us.
Regan Abbott: He'll come for you.
Answer: Possibly because it would be too dangerous. Most times an object like that could not be thrown far enough away to allow the family to escape, particularly in a panicked situation. A creature might be momentarily distracted, but would quickly zero in on them as very frightened children would probably be yelling, screaming, and crying.
raywest ★