Pam, it may not be your explaining as much as me not understanding. LOL! I thought you were describing it as an either/or situation as opposed to both options being possible and not mutually exclusive. Yes, it’s BEST if kids get that at an early age, but it’s never too late.
My mother was a teacher as well. She taught reading to elementary students for four years, and then taught fourth grade for thirty-four (9–10 year olds, I think.)
Good to meet another kid of a teacher!