039: Empowering Big-Hearted Parenting with Dr. Andrew Dutcher

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, Dr. Andrew Dutcher, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, keynote speaker, and author of ‘Big-Hearted Parenting (Even When It Seems Impossible)’, discusses his journey from speed skating to becoming a medical professional dedicated to preventing Indigenous children’s entry into the child welfare system in Canada. 

Andrew shares insights from his book and his work, emphasizing the importance of building strong, healthy relationships between parents and children to foster resilience and positive growth. He offers practical advice for parents to improve communication, manage emotions, and create a nurturing home environment, highlighting the role of teaching and learning in effective parenting and mental health support.

Dr. Andrew Durcher believes in keeping families together. He empowers parents by equipping them with the tools and resources to improve relationships and create a healthy home environment. Andrew is a sought-after keynote speaker, educator and storyteller. He has expanded his repertoire from writing medical histories and prescriptions to writing books. He published his first book, Big-Hearted Parenting (Even When It Seems Impossible), in 2023. 

Andrew got his medical degree from Dalhousie University and received his specialized training as a child and adolescent psychiatrist through the University of Calgary. Andrew dedicates much of his time to working with Indigenous youth and children in the child welfare system in both Alberta and New Brunswick. Andrew is a Wolastoqey member of the Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick. He now calls Calgary home. Andrew has been featured as a mental health expert in several stories covered by CTV News. His mission is to prevent any more Indigenous children from being taken into the child welfare system in Canada. When he’s not working, he’s on the hunt for good eats with his wife and exploring nature and other cool places with his three kids. 

 

Listen in as we talk about:

02:50 Becoming a child and youth psychiatrist 

09:12 Teaching as a child and youth psychiatrist

11:00 The importance of having a learner’s’ mind and heart

12:26 The difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist

14:19 Big-hearted parenting

16:38 The wisdom in our yelling as parents=

19:36 How to yell less as parents

22:55 Building stronger connections with our children

27:31 How to become a big-hearted champion

28:55 Helping our children listen – a little bit better

31:30 How to best support our children

33:34 Andrew’s favourite teacher

35:31 Andrew answers some rapid-fire questions

38:12 Andrew’s words of wisdom – relationships and stories are everything

 

Connect with Dr. Andrew Dutcher:

• Website: https://drandrewdutcher.com/
• Instagram: @drandrewdutcher 
• LinkedIn: Dr. Andrew Dutcher
• TikTok: @drandrewdutcher
• Book: Big-Hearted Parenting (Even When It Seems Impossible)

 

Connect with Tiana:

• Website: https://tianafech.com
• LinkedIn: Tia