Al-Hafidh al-Nawawi:

Those approaching puberty or have recently reached it, and those who have recently repented from sins [and begun to practise the religion] all are treated with gentleness. They are gradually introduced to various acts of obedience; Islamic affairs [during the Prophet’s time] were brought about gradually, step- by-step. Whenever obedience is made easy for one who has just begun practising or is eager to begin practising what has been made easy for them, the result is an increase in commitment to it. However, whenever it becomes difficult for them, they are likely to not engage in it. Even if they do it, they do not persist upon it or taste its sweetness.

[Sharh Sahih Muslim (v. 10 p. 305)]