Why More Dads Are Prioritizing Psycho Educational Testing
Have you ever looked at your child and thought, “That was me as a kid”?
Maybe your toddler can’t seem to sit still for more than a minute. Or your grade-schooler is smart but keeps mixing up letters when reading. It’s frustrating, a little worrying—and oddly familiar. You start to wonder if there’s something more going on. Could it be ADHD? Dyslexia? And if so, what should you do?
More and more dads are asking those same questions.
It used to be that moms were the ones leading the charge when it came to testing and diagnoses. But that’s starting to change. Today, more fathers are stepping in, noticing the signs early, and taking action to get their kids evaluated.
In this blog, we’ll look at why this shift is happening, what’s behind it, and what it means for kids, families, and a new kind of engaged fatherhood.
WHY MORE DADS ARE STEPPING IN
It’s not just about being a “good dad” anymore. Today’s fathers are more hands-on than ever. They’re helping with homework, going to parent-teacher conferences, and noticing when something just doesn’t feel right.
One big reason more dads are getting their kids tested is because they see themselves in their children. If you had a tough time in school growing up—maybe you hated reading, couldn’t sit still, or were always told to “try harder”—you might be spotting the same signs in your own kids now.
And here’s the thing: both ADHD and dyslexia often run in families. That means if you have it (even if you were never officially diagnosed), there’s a good chance your child might too.
A FAMOUS DAD’S STORY: CHANNING TATUM
Take actor Channing Tatum, for example. He’s talked openly about struggling with ADHD and dyslexia as a kid. In school, he said he felt “stupid” and was always getting into trouble. But it wasn’t because he wasn’t smart—it’s because no one understood how his brain worked.
Now that he’s a dad himself, he says he’s more aware of how important it is to understand kids who learn differently. Instead of ignoring the signs, he wants to be the kind of parent who listens, learns, and speaks up.
Tatum’s story is like so many other dads today: they want to give their kids the support they never got.
HOW TODAY’S DADS ARE TAKING ACTION NOW
So what does this support actually look like? Here are some real strategies that dads are using to help their kids get the help they need:
1. Paying Attention to Early Signs
Most dads don’t wake up one day and decide to get their child tested. It usually starts with little things:
Your child avoids reading or says it’s “too hard”.
They have trouble sitting still or focusing on simple tasks.
They forget instructions, even right after you give them.
Their teacher says they’re bright, but they’re falling behind.
These signs might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, they can affect your child’s confidence and learning.
2. Asking the Right Questions
Instead of saying, “They’re just lazy,” more dads are asking:
Could this be something deeper?
What kind of help is out there?
Should we talk to a doctor or teacher?
This shift in thinking makes a huge difference.
3. Taking the First Step
Once concerns are clear, many dads are:
Talking to their child’s teacher or pediatrician.
Requesting a formal evaluation for ADHD or a learning difference.
Looking for support groups or specialists who can help.
They don’t wait for a “crisis.” They act early.
What Testing Actually Does
Getting tested doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your child. It just helps you understand how their brain works. For example:
ADHD testing shows how your child focuses, listens, and manages time.
Dyslexia testing shows how they process language and read.
With this information, you can make better choices. Your child might get:
Extra time on tests.
Reading help at school.
Calming tools for focus.
A team of teachers who understand them.
And most importantly, your child starts to feel seen and understood.
MANY DADS FEEL THIS TOO — AND THAT’S OKAY
We don’t often hear dads talk about these things. But that’s changing—and it needs to. Getting your child tested doesn’t make you weak or dramatic. It makes you brave.
As more dads speak up, more kids get the help they need—sooner, not later. And many dads say that once they got their child tested, they realized they needed testing too. That’s not failure. That’s a breakthrough.
STEP INTO THE DAD THEY NEED
If something in this story sounds familiar—it’s because you’re not the only one. More and more dads are paying closer attention, asking better questions, and choosing to lead with care instead of silence. And that choice changes everything.
Getting your child tested doesn’t mean labeling them—it means unlocking their potential. It means giving them the tools, support, and understanding you might’ve wished someone gave you. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
So if you’re wondering whether to take the next step—do it. Trust what you see. Ask the questions. Start the conversation.
Need guidance on where to begin?
Visit: https://themindcenterforkids.com/workshop
Because when dads show up, kids grow up stronger.
The Mind Center, LLC is a thought leadership mental health brand dedicated to helping parents, their kids, and the schools they attend. At The Mind Center LLC, we specialize in psycho-educational evaluations and offer a range of services to support children. Contact us today.
