Despite myriad preventive efforts, childhood obesity rates continue to increase and disproportionately affect Mexican American children. Mothers can be very influential in preventing childhood obesity especially within the home. Home is where children first learn normative behaviors, including dietary and physical activities.Three focus groups with 23 Mexican American mothers were conducted in Bryan, TX to assess perceptions of childhood obesity prevention. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was conducted.Mothers acknowledged they were primarily responsible for their children's health and weight. However, they also identified barriers to obesity prevention and were unsure of which strategies were best for encouraging children to eat vegetables and be physically active.Mothers can be catalysts to obesity prevention, but programs need to provide the education, skill set, and opportunities to make these differences.