I Never Thought I Could Teach My Son to Read and Write

If someone had told me years ago that I would one day teach my son to read and write in English, I wouldn’t have believed them. I was born and raised in Brazil and came to the United States at the age of 20. My own education and literacy journey were in Portuguese, so when it came to teaching my third child, Joshua, I faced a challenge I never expected.

My first two children learned to read and write in school. But when Joshua reached school age, we decided to homeschool—a decision that changed my perspective on education forever. Suddenly, I found myself responsible for teaching him the letter shapes, their sounds, and eventually how to combine them into words.

I relied on curriculums designed to guide parents through teaching phonics and spelling, but the idea of being the one to teach my child how to read felt daunting. I wondered, Can I really do this?

A Journey of Learning Together

As we dove into this new adventure, I realized something extraordinary: not only was Joshua learning, but so was I. Homeschooling didn’t just teach me about phonics and spelling rules—it opened up a world of discovery in history, geography, science, and even English grammar. Together, we explored, practiced, and celebrated each milestone.

Homeschooling gave us the freedom to go at our own pace. There was no pressure to rush or meet arbitrary deadlines. We took our time, building a strong foundation and mastering concepts one step at a time. Watching Joshua progress from recognizing letters to confidently reading at fourth grade level in about two years was nothing short of miracle.

A Journey of Joy and Grace

There were moments of tears and frustration, but there were also countless moments of laughter and joy. We cheered for every small victory, and I marveled at how God guided us through this process. Homeschooling became more than just an educational choice—it was a testimony of God’s provision and faithfulness.

I learned that God equips us when we step out in faith. What once seemed impossible became not only achievable but also deeply rewarding. Through prayer, patience, and perseverance, I watched my son flourish, and I grew in confidence as his teacher.

You Can Do It, Too

If you’re wondering whether you can teach your child, let me encourage you: you can. You don’t need to be an expert or have a perfect plan. All you need is a willingness to learn, a heart open to God’s guidance, and the courage to take the first step.

I am living proof that it’s possible. Teaching Joshua to read and write was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life—not just because he learned, but because of the bond we built and the lessons I learned along the way.

So don’t doubt your ability to teach your child. Trust God, take it one step at a time, and celebrate every victory, no matter how small. You might just be amazed at what you and your child can accomplish together. 

Make Learning Fun and Meaningful with Mommy & Me

You don’t need to be an expert to teach your little one—you just need the right tools and a heart full of love! Mommy & Me is designed to help you introduce letters, numbers, shapes, colors, seasons, and more in a simple, engaging way that strengthens your bond with your child.

Through hands-on activities, playful games, and interactive learning moments, Mommy & Me makes early education joyful and stress-free. Every day becomes an opportunity to explore, create, and grow together!

Start today—grab your copy of Mommy & Me and enjoy teaching, learning, and making precious memories with your little one!