My Dad (early 50's) has made more than I'm ever likely to (late 20's). He was always very circumspect about it, as it sounds like you are, but as I just became a father (and for some other reasons as well) he recently decided to share some hard numbers with me. I don't know how I feel about it, but I don't think I'd have been any worse off for not knowing.

tl;dr As someone in a similar position to your kids, I think your reasoning is sound.