PROFILE

Suzanne Freedman

Suzanne Freedman is a Professor of Human Development in the Educational Foundations and Professional Experiences department at the University of Northern Iowa. She was the recipient of the APA Dissertation Award in 1993 for her groundbreaking research on forgiveness and incest survivors, published in 1996 in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Suzanne has been studying the topic of forgiveness for over 30 years and her publications focus on the psychology of interpersonal forgiveness and forgiveness education with children, adolescents, and adults. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences on the psychology of interpersonal forgiveness. Suzanne Freedman is a contributing writer and researcher for the International Forgiveness Institute. Suzanne Freedman is the author of the curriculum, The Courage to Forgive: Educating Elementary School Children About Forgiveness.

What We Get Wrong About Teaching Kids to Apologize and Forgive

By Suzanne Freedman | April 27, 2026

Too often, parents and teachers try to force kids to apologize and forgive. But research suggests there’s a better way that will make a deeper, more…

Five Families Who Learned How to Bridge Differences Together

In this video from our Bridging Differences for Parents and Teens series, learn how five families fostered skills for dialogue and understanding across group lines.
An Awe Walk Through History and Possibility

Noticing the history and beauty around us can shift how we see ourselves—and our communities. An awe walk through Harlem reveals how the stories embedded in public spaces can spark connection, perspective, and a sense of what’s possible.

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What We Get Wrong About Teaching Kids to Apologize and Forgive