Q. I am Caucasian and my husband is African-American. We're expecting our first child, a boy. We know he'll get some negative comments because sometimes we get those when we're out together. How can we help him deal with being biracial?

A. First, congratulations on your pregnancy. We're glad for you.

There are a few things you might do -- and not do -- to maximize the richness of your child's biracial heritage, and minimize any issues with immature people.

Don't feel pressure to label your child or your family -- every family is unique.

Don't make your child choose a race. He'll need to be able to identify with both you and your husband.

Be open about differences (for instance, in skin color) and similarities (for example, in interests, values, and love) among the three of you.

Create a family tree to educate your child about your family's diverse background. Read books that feature different kinds of families--your librarian or bookseller can make recommendations.

Seek out organizations -- community groups, churches and others -- that include people of different races and ethnicities.

Make your home a gathering spot for adults and kids of different backgrounds.

Make sure your son understands that race is one part of who we are, but not everything, and certainly not the most important thing.

And don't forget to point out to your son as he grows that America's president has a similar racial makeup to his.

If people make negative comments, keep your cool and explain to your son that they simply don't know better.