This process begins at an early age. So in truth, many children have been reading for years before they actually begin. Children who are frustrated because they can not read will feel a sense of accomplishment by interpreting a wordless book. I believe in adopting a playful method of supporting beginning reading.
Many parents think reading is aided by flash cards.
I think that books and decoding ought never be separated. The phonetic, sounding-out tools are important, but I see a parent's major role as supporting the whole endeavor by constantly supporting a love of books. Begin with playful works. Humor abounds and so does amusement. There are many rebus books available.