My parents-in-law had the same case as yours. They have a daughter and a granddaughter in China. Their elder son came to US in 1997 and never came back since then. He was a green card holder with 2 kids when he invited my parents-in-law to visit them. The VO denied them twice and told them clearly that they don't need to try again unless the son comes back to visit them first.
Later, my hu*****and invited them and they got the visa(this is the third time they applied). My hu*****and and I went back to China twice before. We don't have any kids yet.
I don't think VOs will reject an application at no reason. Visiting your parents first may be a good solution. Good luck!