Which dog would be better?

Wow, I wouldn't have chosen either breed to be good with children, they are delicate breeds. I would think you are going to need an irresponsible breeder to sell you a dog like one of these breeds if you have children since they are delicate breeds and kids could hug them to death or break the dogs leg. A responsible breeder will not sell you one of these breeds if you have kids. All breeds of dogs bark, bite, and jump on kids, all breeds of dogs are afraid of kids, you have to train all breeds of dogs to behave. Your question is hard because all breeds bite, bark and jump, you are the one that has to train them not to. I guess it depends on your ability to train dogs, I would think the maltese would be an easier breed to train, but both are breeds that are ranked hard to train. I vote for more research, maybe ask your vet to recommend a breed that would be better for your family.