If you are ambivalent about house plants, it's probably best to take these back with 3 small kids in the house, unless you did want to make the kind of effort described to ensure they don't freeze over winter outside. Plants discard leaves occasionally, especially in less than optimal care, which is likely from the description of how you inadvertently acquired house plants instead of 'finding a plant you wanted.' If inside, a leaf on the floor occasionally would be likely. I might recommend something harmless to begin the learning curve, and while kids are small, if you did want to get started with house plants. A surprising number of them can cause dermatitis (similar to poison ivy) from touching their sap, and other issues if put in mouth or eyes. The reason Dieffenbachia is called dumbcane is interesting, as long as it stays in writing. I would gently steer you away from the Aroid family in general, known for containing so many alkaloids, of which both these plants belong. How about a cute little palm tree or snake plant? A pretty Ti (Cordyline) plant? Much more benign and forgiving of beginner care/average house conditions.
