What is the ruling on one who abandons prayer, so that it may be explained to a 12-year-old son who only prays Friday Dhuhr?

There is no disagreement among scholars that a non-pubescent child is not obligated to pray. However, he is to be commanded to pray at the age of seven and disciplined for not praying at the age of ten. It is advisable to first approach the child with gentleness and guidance, explaining the importance of prayer. If that does not work, then he should be disciplined for it, so that he becomes accustomed to it before reaching puberty and the time of its obligation.