You’ve got a superb LP12, keep it.
Agree. There is no way I'd sell a turntable I liked for the reasons you've given. Three kids with a turntable in easy reach, never touched it. You teach the kids what they can't and can't do. If you don't you'll have much bigger problems that your turntable getting damaged!
Using a bouncy turntable might take a little more practice but it's hardly a chore. Surely if you wife loves music she'll want it to sound good? Just tell her all other turntables will sound worse, job done ;0)