Claws the children (7)
I believe the answer is:
nippers
I believe this is a double definition.
'claws' is the first definition.
('nipper' can be a synonym of 'claw')
'the children' is the second definition.
('nipper' can be a synonym of 'child')
(Other definitions for nippers that I've seen before include "Claws; children" , "pickpockets" , "kids?" , "Youngsters" , "Small children" .)