If we suppose that the dad put them up to it, I'd agree with you.
If, however, the kids decided they wanted to do it, and dad went along with them, I'd have to applaud them.
Based on no information other than the kids' ages, I personally believe the kids thought it up.
My 10 year old daughter asked me yesterday if we could go to Terri and give her some water. We couldn't go to the vigil because we live in Colorado, but she has been praying and crying for Terri.