Sharkey, Joseph R.Umstattd Meyer, M. ReneeJohnson, Cassandra M.Gomez, LuisMartinez, LuzBeltran, ElvaGarza, Maria2018-12-122018-12-122018-07-24Sharkey, J., Umstattd Meyer, M. R., Johnson, C., Gomez, L., Martinez, L., Beltran, E., & Garza, M. (2018). ¡Haz Espacio Para Papi!: Development of a Father-Focused, Family-Centered Program to Prevent Obesity and Strengthen Families. Poster presented at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.https://hdl.handle.net/10877/7804It is widely recognized that behavior change in children occurs within a family system. Our formative work during the program development phase utilized a mixed-methods approach to examine perspectives of children, mothers, and fathers on dietary and activity behaviors and intra-family communication and active engagement. Fig. 1 shows the sequence of activities that described the importance of engaging fathers in programs to improve family health. We describe the development and planned deployment of Familias Saludables, a skill-based curriculum that is a culturally and contextually appropriate, father-focused and family-centered. This multiple-component intervention engages Mexican-heritage fathers, mothers, and children (age 9-11 years) in an experiential, Spanish-language curriculum to enhance father-child relationships and co-parenting strategies; increase knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and preferences regarding nutrition and physical activity; and delivers this intervention in a group setting. ¡Haz espacio para papi! [Make room for daddy!] is a game changer by engaging Mexican-heritage fathers, co-parenting couples, and children in a family-centered intervention.Image1 page1 file (.pdf)enfamily-centerednutritionobesityMexican-heritagedietactivity patternscurriculumFamily and Consumer SciencesPoster