(HealthDay News) -- When training your little one to use the potty, it's best to start with a plan and a few guidelines.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions:

• Be prepared to offer lots of praise when your child does well, and don't punish when there is an accident. Remember that even small steps are positive.
• Remain consistent with what you expect from your child, and communicate these expectations clearly and often.
• Stay involved until you're sure your child has mastered using the potty. It's not something that's learned overnight.
• Don't take the process too seriously. Understand that eventually, your little one will figure it out.