You've read the parenting books and articles.
Now it's time for someone to listen to you.
Welcome! I'm Lynna Sutherland, mother of eight children and certified parenting coach.
I was that mom who read all the parenting books before I even had my first child. I was determined to do it all "right". And then the real, live children came along!
God didn't design us to travel this parenting journey in isolation or only in one-way communication with printed material. He created us for community, for sharing wisdom and insight with others, and for encouraging each other along the way.
You deserve to look into the face of another person who can hear your story, celebrate your love and labor, and empathize with your heartaches and struggles. I would be honored to be invited into that place in your life.

Virtual Coaching
Join me via Zoom to explore ways to strengthen and enrich your parenting.
$
79/59
in-person coaching
Join me in my office in Church Hill, Richmond, VA to explore ways to strengthen and enrich your parenting.
$
79/59
What topics can parent coaching address?
Here are just a few of the areas we can discuss while we meet together:
- managing big emotions
- sibling conflict
- struggles with focus and attention
- resistance or lack of cooperation
- developing a routine
- breaking bad habits
- discipline and correction
- responding to disappointment
- following directions or instructions
- household chores and responsibility
- parental anger struggles
- and lots more!

Virtual Coaching
Join me via Zoom to explore ways to strengthen and enrich your parenting.
$
79/59
in-person coaching
Join me in my office in Church Hill, Richmond, VA to explore ways to strengthen and enrich your parenting.
$
79/59
Frequently Asked Questions
Virtual Appointment
After you book a virtual coaching appointment and that appointment is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to a Zoom meeting scheduled at the time of your appointment. You'll also receive two reminder emails leading up to your session to make sure you have the information you need.
In-Person Appointment
After you book and in-person coaching appointment and that appointment is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with details about our office location and parking. You'll also receive two reminder emails leading up to your session to make sure you have the information you need.
Introductory Inventory
If this is your first coaching session with me, I'll send you a parenting inventory to fill out so I have some background information on your unique family and their unique needs.
My office is located in the historic Church Hill district of Richmond, VA on the main floor of Church Hill Presbyterian Church just a few blocks away from St. John's Church were Patrick Henry delivered his famous "Give me liberty or give me death!" speech. Street parking is usually readily available in front of the building, but we also have a private parking lot.
Once you register for your in-person appointment, you'll receive an email with all the details you'll need to locate our building and my office. I can't wait to see you!
I am a Christian and many of my favorite resources are based on and make use of passages of Scripture and/or a gospel-focused worldview.
However, I also believe strongly in the benefit of current science and parenting best practice such as an understanding of the brain and how it develops and integrates over the course of a child's growing up years.
Since God is the creator of our marvelous bodies and brains, these two areas of learning integrate well and will be woven together in your coaching session.
Currently we are using Zoom for virtual coaching.
Yes, absolutely. The fee you pay for any coaching sessions includes your spouse or co-parent. Only the email address used to register for a virtual coaching session will receive the meeting link, but you may share that link with your spouse or co-parent only. Both parents are also welcome to attend in-person coaching sessions together.
It's easy to reschedule your appointment - either virtual or in-person - via the link in your confirmation or reminder emails. If you know you will need to reschedule, please do so as early as possible so that your slot will be available to others.
If you are unable to attend a virtual or in-person appointment, you can always reschedule via the link in your confirmation email or any of your reminder emails. There is no charge for rescheduling.
However, if you wish to cancel and not reschedule, please cancel your appointment at least 30 minutes prior to the appointment start time and request a refund by replying to the email confirming your cancelation. You will be refunded the cost of your session minus a $5 processing fee.
No. This is a really important distinction. I am not a licensed therapist or healthcare professional of any kind. I'm a mom who has lots of experience with her own kids, training from the National Institute of Biblical Parenting which involved a supervised practicum, and experience coaching parents since then.
If your child is struggling with trauma, abuse, suicidal ideation, self-harm or other mental health challenges, I strongly urge you to find a therapist or other mental health professional in your local area. I'm certainly happy to talk to you about knowing when to seek professional help, but I in no way meet that qualification.
I have the greatest appreciation for professionals in this field. This is why I refer to myself as a "coach" and not a "counselor". A coach is not an alternative to proper mental health care. A coach is an experienced friend who can help walk you through parenting challenges.