Non-applying dependant question in Online Application

Hi all,

My enquiry is about the "non-applying dependant" when doing the online application. I feel it is a trick for me.
My situation: My wife and my kid just returned to home country, because she felt more comfortable bringing kid up, at least until 10 years old, and then come back to the UK after another year (kid is now 9 years old). They have been outside the UK for a year now. They were my dependants a year ago, in the immigration sense.
I personally wanted to continue living in the UK and prepare for their coming back soon.

Now, if I answer "yes" (it seems that I have to?), then the home office obviously knew that my wife and kid are outside the UK, and that would probably becomes a concern that I don't seem to continue my further contribution (living) in the UK, and my application risks a refusal.

But if I answer "no", then obviously the home office has my previous application records.

What should I do for that "non-applying dependant" question? And if "yes", and there is another question about "partner", and their address, how risky is it?

Many thanks!