How can children be encouraged to commit to prayer, especially since they perform some prayers and leave others, knowing that they receive advice and supplications for guidance?

Prayer is the pillar of faith and a sign of piety; it is the first thing a servant will be judged on. Parents must raise their children to establish it, citing the Almighty’s saying: (And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast therein). The Prophet Ishmael is an excellent example in this regard, as he used to enjoin his family to prayer. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded that children be struck for prayer if they reach ten years of age. Among the helpful methods for this are: for parents to be good role models, taking children to the mosque, reminding them of the importance and virtue of prayer, encouraging them with the promise of Paradise, providing material and moral encouragement, employing temporary withdrawal of affection (hajar) when they are negligent, and making abundant supplications for them.