32. The Healing Power of Handholding: Touch, Parenting & Connection in a Digital World

In this episode of the Trust Me Mom podcast, host EkaterinaKonovalova sat down with author Alex (Sasha) Simakovsky to explorethe science, psychology, and emotional power of human touch.

Alex shared what inspired his book, More Than a Touch:Rediscover the Healing Power of Handholding, and why intentional touch ismore important than ever in a post-pandemic, digital-first world. Together,they discussed tactile hunger, parenting and child regulation, relationshiprepair, cultural perspectives on touch, and simple handholding practices thatcan help children and adults feel safer, calmer, and more connected.

📘 Alex’s Book: MoreThan a Touch: Rediscover the Healing Power of Handholding https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Touch-Rediscover-Handholding/dp/B0FKXZX5M4
 

00:00 Introduction & welcome
00:22 Why human touch matters (especially after the pandemic)
01:02 What inspired the book More Than a Touch
02:10 Growing up with holistic, touch-based healing
03:54 The science of touch: hormones, stress & regulation
05:37 Parenting, touch, and emotional safety for kids
06:03 Hand-in-hand breathing exercise for children
08:16 Demonstration: how hand-in-hand breathing works
09:32 Why assisted regulation works better for some kids
10:17 The “30-second rule” and intentional touch
10:41 Handholding during conflict and relationship repair
12:59 Cultural differences in handholding around the world
15:28 Alex’s favorite chapters and modern-day application
16:54 A powerful father–daughter story from the book
19:23 Closing thoughts  

#TrustMeMom #HumanTouch #Handholding #ParentingTools#EmotionalRegulation #TactileHunger #MindfulParenting #ChildDevelopment#Relationships #MentalHealth #Attachment #NeurodivergentKids #HolisticWellness#ConnectionMatters