I thought the first week to ten days on LR were a bit dull and repetitive, luckily my boy wasn't as fussy. It was probably just my impatience
The phonics on LR pop up after the picture flash on day 20. You can start phonics at anytime, beginning with teaching how each letter sounds. With or without LR resources. Try to get involved during the multi sensory, clown around, do the actions, have some fun. It will help the learning stick. I don't have the other products so I cant give you specific advice on them.