I don't think that children can understand their parents until they are in the same position as their parents were at any given time.  There are adults whom I know who have never tried to understand their parents (either one of them), preferring to either keep them, untouchable, on a pedestal, or kicking them to the curb, in scorn.  
I think that those who oppose equality for women do their best to portray women as two-dimensional entities.  They see no contradiction in requiring women to stay home with their children full-time, but at the same time to blame women for all and any shortcomings or harm that befall their children.  Women are supposed to be perpetually perfectly turned-out, smiling, and grateful for everything -- even abuse.