I think you've missed the point here. The point is NOT to keep children from religious education, but to emphasize to the parents (who are the FIRST TEACHERS AND BEST EXAMPLES OF THE FAITH) how important it is to set examples of faith and holiness that their children can follow. If the kids don't see their parents loving and participating in the Faith, how can they be expected to be good Catholics later? It doesn't work very well, and I have some first-hand experience regarding the whole equation.
No you miss the point...Jesus had a special place in his heart for children...he didn't say to the kids"You can come to me except those whose parent haven't been going to the yearly passover in Jerusalem regularly!" He said "Let them come to me and forbid them not!"
No exceptions!