Dear Daughter
Extraordinary letters written from parents to their children with Namulanta Kombo. Sharing parenting advice, family stories and life lessons. Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like t...
Fri, April 11, 2025
Encore: The dating to-do list
Wen was raised believing sex is taboo but she knows she must change for her daughter’s sake. Her grandmother was ashamed to talk about it. Her mum and dad had to visit the biology section of the library to find out how to do it. Wen wants to raise her daughter differently. In her letter, she says she wants to create a safe space at home to talk more openly. She passes on advice for navigating the world of dating, sex, and relationships: hug every day, dress in a way that pleases you and fart whenever and wherever… Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, April 04, 2025
Encore: Without mum
A bereaved father on parenting after grief. When Ani’s daughter was just two years old, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Her illness dominated their daughter’s early years, and she died when the child was six. Ani explains how he’s trying to teach his daughter what her mother was like before she became ill. Plus, how a Joe Wicks workout helped the family cope through bereavement. Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 28, 2025
Mama Seebz: Social media fame and dealing with haters
TikTokker Mama Seebz on how she reacted when her daughter Aya (@notjustaya) told her she wanted to be a famous content creator. Seba got frustrated with her daughter Aya during lockdown – she was always scrolling on her phone. But then Aya and her brother suggested she join them, and she realised it was an opportunity to connect with her children on their terms. They started filming videos together: dances, cultural celebrations, and the “Arabic word challenge”, where Seba tests her children on their Arabic vocabulary. Now their videos get millions of views on social media, and Aya has moved to Sydney to work as a content creator full time. Mama Seebz shares a letter to Aya telling her to take pride in what she’s achieved. She tells host Namulanta Kombo about her own journey to New Zealand from Iraq, how they know which videos are going to be a hit, and how they deal with online hate. Plus, she has some advice for other parents on how to react when their kids say they want a career as a content creator. Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. In the current season, Dear Daughter: Stars, Namulanta hears from parents who are all ‘stars’ in their field. Why did TikTokker Mama Seebz go from telling her children to stop scrolling to becoming a content creator herself? What can The Receipts podcaster Audrey Akande teach her daughter about friendship break-ups? And why exactly did Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh lurk around building sites while pregnant? For more episodes like this one, search for ‘Dear Daughter’ wherever you get your BBC podcasts or go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter.
Fri, March 21, 2025
Kalki Koechlin: Bollywood and beauty standards
What should you do when your daughter tells you she doesn’t feel pretty? Kalki Koechlin has acted in blockbuster Bollywood films, written and produced for stage, and penned a book about pregnancy and motherhood called The Elephant In The Womb. She is also the host of the BBC World Service podcast My Indian Life. Kalki joins Namulanta to share the letter she wrote for her young daughter after she admitted that she didn’t feel pretty. She discusses the expectations on women to conform to a certain beauty standard, particularly as they age, and the pressures she has faced in her acting career to appear youthful. What advice can she give her daughter for navigating a world obsessed with appearance? Kalki also shares her fears for the impact of social media on body image. How can parents teach their children that not all of what they see online is real? Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 14, 2025
Audrey Akande: The Receipts and becoming a ‘girl mum’
Audrey Akande is best known for being one half of The Receipts podcast. She joins Namulanta in the studio to share the letter she’s written for her daughter. Audrey talks about the balance as a parent between protecting your child’s innocence but also helping them learn to face the world. How can you teach independence while keeping them safe? Audrey has given unfiltered advice and life stories on The Receipts podcast since its launch in 2016. She discusses the challenges of being both an oversharer and a mum. Plus, she talks friendship break-ups and navigating The Receipts split in the public eye. Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 07, 2025
Dr Rae Wynn-Grant: Surviving bears, jaguars, and motherhood
Wildlife ecologist and nature presenter Dr Rae Wynn-Grant joins Namulanta to share the letter she’s written for her daughters about how to overcome self-doubt. Rae was the first Black woman to host a wildlife show on US network television and she talks about the importance of diverse representation on and off screen. She tells Namulanta about the challenges of juggling work and parenthood – including the time she took her two year old daughter to the rainforest in search of jaguars. Plus, she offers some very practical advice on surviving encounters with bears - including how she escaped a bear chase, and the time she gave the kiss of life to a bear! Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, February 28, 2025
Adjoa Andoh: Bridgerton, bodies, and bizarre pregnancy cravings
Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh joins Namulanta in the studio to share the letter she’s written to her three children. She tells them the importance of trusting their bodies and following their instincts - a life philosophy which has sometimes led her into some unexpected situations, especially while pregnant… Plus, filming for season 4 of Bridgerton is underway and Adjoa is back as Lady Danbury. She talks about how the show’s diversity has resonated with audiences around the world. Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, February 14, 2025
Dear Daughter: Stars is coming soon!
Namulanta is back with more letters from parents to their children. But this time there’s a celebrity guest list! We’ll hear personal stories of family, love, and parenting in the spotlight from guests who are all ‘stars’ in their field. How does Bollywood star Kalki Koechlin teach her daughter about body standards? Why did TikTokker Mama Seebz go from telling her children to stop scrolling to becoming a content creator herself? What can The Receipts podcaster Audrey Akande teach her daughter about friendship break-ups? And why exactly did Bridgerton actor Adjoa Andoh lurk around building sites while pregnant? Join us weekly from February 28th. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your BBC podcasts to never miss an episode. Dear Daughter is an award-winning podcast from the BBC World Service about love, life, family, and raising children. It is the brainchild of Namulanta Kombo, a mother on a quest to create a ‘handbook to life’ for her daughter, through the advice of parents from all over the world. Each episode, a guest reads a letter they’ve written to their children (or their future children, or the children they never had) with the advice, life lessons, and personal stories they’d like to pass on. Expect extraordinary true stories, inspirational advice for parents, and moving accounts of families, relationships and raising daughters. Share your letter! What do you want to say to your kids? Or the next generation? Do you have thoughts on motherhood, fatherhood, or parenthood to share? Whether you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, January 17, 2025
Introducing: Young Again
New Dear Daughter is coming soon. In the meantime, why not try another BBC podcast? Like Dear Daughter, Young Again is a podcast that’s all about advice. But instead of advice for daughters, Kirsty Young talks to fascinating people about the advice they would give their younger selves. In this taster clip, the Oscar-nominated actor Minnie Driver shares the challenges of her unconventional upbringing and the advice she’d give her childhood self. To hear the full interview, search ‘Young Again’ wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
Fri, June 07, 2024
Choosing to be child free
Yvonne was on a bus on a trip to Europe when she had a realisation. There’s more to life than having kids, she thought – I could travel the world. She made that decision at twenty, and now she’s 64 she’s never doubted her choice. She tells Namulanta about her relief at missing out on some of the challenges of parenting, why things are harder now her friends are having grandchildren, and how she’d advise other people who are wondering whether to have kids or not. Letter writer: Yvonne If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a WhatsApp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, May 31, 2024
Growing up polygamous
Farida grew up with 19 siblings in a polygamous family in Kenya. She’s been married five times, and four of those times have been to men who have other wives. In a letter she writes to her daughter, Farida describes some of the pros of a polygamous relationship, such as growing up with a large extended family and never feeling alone. But along with the pros there are also some cons, such as what it feels like for your husband to take another wife. Farida tells Namulanta all about the ups and downs of being polygamous, and gives tips on how to have a happy marriage. Letter writer: Farida If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, May 24, 2024
The little girl with trauma
Regina had a difficult childhood. Her parents both struggled with addiction, and she developed substance abuse problems of her own. She thought she’d never know how to be a mother. But now she’s using her experiences to help other children heal – trying to be the person that she needed when she was a child. She tells Namulanta about the joy she finds in parenting her two daughters, the many women who have mothered her, and the training programme she’s developed in Zimbabwe to help communities support traumatised children. Letter writer: Regina If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, May 17, 2024
Diagnosed by a stranger, with Ria Lina
Comedian Ria Lina finds out she is autistic after an audience member picks up on it at one of her shows. What does being autistic mean for her? She tells Namulanta that being a woman with autism is like being a chameleon: you wear lots of different masks to suit the occasion, but sometimes all you want to do is go to a quiet dark place and crash. Ria tells Namulanta all about autism so the next generation can feel more prepared than she did. Letter writer: Ria Lina If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice (Ria Lina image credit: Arabella Itani)
Fri, May 10, 2024
My daughter, who I thought was my son
Gretchen’s daughter is transgender. When she first told her parents, it came as a shock – but Gretchen wants to tell her daughter she’ll always be on her side. But she worries that the outside world might be hostile. How can she protect her daughter, while also helping her grow? Letter writer: Gretchen Namulanta Kombo is creating a "handbook to life" for her daughter with letters of advice and stories to help her navigate her life ahead. If you’ve got something you’d like to share with your daughter or daughters everywhere, please send Namulanta your letter: email us at deardaughter@bbc.co.uk, send us a Whatsapp on +44 800 030 4404, or go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews.
Fri, May 03, 2024
Blending families
Rehman becomes a widower with three children after the sudden death of his wife. Over a year later, he remarries a woman with three children of her own. Now Rehman has three children from his previous marriage and three new stepchildren. Blending the two families together is Rehman’s dream. He wants his family to accept this new reality, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Letter writer: Rehman Namulanta Kombo is creating a "handbook to life" for her daughter with letters of advice and stories to help her navigate her life ahead. If you’ve got something you’d like to share with your daughter or daughters everywhere, please send Namulanta your letter: email us at deardaughter@bbc.co.uk, send us a Whatsapp on +44 800 030 4404, or go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”
Fri, April 26, 2024
A public apology from a besotted mother
Malini has a lot of regrets about her parenting - but her daughter Raji remembers things differently. Malini raised her family in a big multigenerational household in India, with relatives coming and going and little privacy for anyone. She and her mother-in-law were both strong personalities, and sometimes her daughter was caught in the crossfire. Malini writes a letter to Raji about her regrets over the past. Was she too strict? Was she too possessive? Did Raji decide to move away to get away from the civil war at home? But Raji responds with a letter of her own. Letter writers: Malini and Raji Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, April 19, 2024
It’s just hair, with Joy Kendi
Joy Kendi doesn’t want her hair to define her – so she shaves her head. Joy is an influencer in Kenya who’s known for her personal style – sometimes she has tight curls, sometimes long braids or a perfect afro. But she wasn’t always so confident in her appearance. Growing up in the US, she wanted to look like the other girls around her, and didn’t know how to take care of her natural hair. She joins Namulanta in the studio to talk about all things black hair – the salon experience, the surprising history of cornrows, and why showering with a bald head is the most liberating feeling on the planet. Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, April 12, 2024
Moving on
Mary receives a menacing message and decides to leave her home. Mary has lived in Florida ever since her university days. It’s where she fell in love, met her Taiwanese husband, and had two children. With hopes of her children growing up and going to college in Florida, Mary thinks she’ll live there for the rest of her life. But that all changes when, at 40 years old, Mary receives a menacing message that makes her move her Asian-American family 2,000 miles across the country. Race, neighbours and starting a new life at 40 – what happens when you no longer feel welcome in your home town? Letter writer: Mary Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, April 05, 2024
The dating to-do list
Wen is raised believing sex is taboo but knows she must change for her daughter’s sake. Her grandmother was ashamed to talk about it. Her mum and dad had to visit the biology section of the library to find out how to do it. Wen wants to create a safe space at home to talk more openly with her daughter. Letter writer: Wen Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 29, 2024
The people-making business with Janine Harouni
New mum Janine Harouni is anxious and lonely, so why do the other mums online look so happy? She was performing stand-up comedy while 40 weeks pregnant, but now there's a whole other set of challenges. On social media, she sees pictures of pregnant models who don’t appear to gain weight. Nobody seems to talk about the gross parts or the difficult parts. She’s exhausted and full of worry. Then a surprise family DNA test changes her perspective on motherhood. Letter writer: Janine Harouni Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice (Janine Harouni image credit: Matt Stronge)
Fri, March 22, 2024
The perfect trap
Anna fights her eating disorder, knowing she needs to be healthy if she wants to be a mum. She spent half her life dealing with the condition, until she was finally diagnosed and treated. Now she is working on getting better, trying to appreciate the joys in life again, and regain the spark she feels she lost. She writes a letter to her future daughter about how to avoid the “perfect trap” in which she found herself. Letter writer: Anna Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 15, 2024
Making amends
Musikari risks his life fighting corruption in Kenya, but at what cost to his family? Namulanta’s father is a political, an anti-corruption campaigner and a successful businessman. He’s busy, so he’s not around much for his children. They miss him. They don’t understand. Now, he comes into the studio to read Namulanta a letter about family values, the importance of friendship - and how he’s making up for lost time with his grandchildren. Letter writer: Musikari Kombo Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 08, 2024
Being Superwoman
Solene endlessly juggles work and parenthood, but something must give. She loves her job and wants to keep her identity, but she's working just to afford childcare. She has little family support. Then a moment at the school gates makes her realise that she has her priorities wrong. Letter writer: Solene Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Fri, March 01, 2024
Elbows out with Nadiya Hussain
Nadiya Hussain, TV chef and winner of The Great British Bake Off, writes a letter to her 13-year-old daughter about how to make space for herself wherever she goes. When Nadiya was a teenager she had big ambitions – but it felt like the world around her kept trying to hold her back. She tells her daughter to keep her elbows out and not let anyone squash her dreams. Plus, Nadiya gives Namulanta advice on raising teenagers, talks about how her relationship with her own mother changed after having children – and tells the story of the time her husband tried to boil an egg. Letter writer: Nadiya Hussain Namulanta Kombo and parents build a “handbook to life”. Sharing your parenting advice, personal stories, and letters to your daughters. What will you tell your children? If you are a mum or mom, dad or papa, grandparent, uncle, aunt, daughter, son or just want to write a letter, send us a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 or visit https://bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter. Get in touch and let us know what you think on social media - #DearDaughter And please leave ratings and reviews. You can read our privacy notice here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3ZFHNV8v7qgTm1zbKbkwsvR/dear-daughter-privacy-notice
Thu, February 22, 2024
Coming soon: Season 3
We’re back! Join us weekly from March 1 for the third season of the award-winning BBC World Service podcast Dear Daughter. Namulanta Kombo is putting together a “handbook to life” for her daughter with letters of advice to help her navigate the world ahead, and she needs your help. This season, Namulanta will talk to letter writers from Hong Kong to Copenhagen about everything from body image to blended families to the horrors and joys of pregnancy. Celebrity baker Nadiya Hussain gives Namulanta advice on parenting teenagers, and reveals who does the washing up in her house. Plus, Namulanta’s dad comes in to talk about missing out on much of his children’s childhoods because he was so busy with work – but making up for lost time with his grandchildren. If you’ve got something you’d like to tell your daughter (or daughters everywhere) write them a letter, and share it with us. Funny, heartbreaking, awkward, relatable – we want to hear it all. You can send us an email at deardaughter@bbc.co.uk, or a Whatsapp message on +44 800 030 4404 - or you can go to our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter
Thu, November 09, 2023
Bonus: The Documentary
Other people’s children. The mothers who leave their own families behind to care for someone else’s. This special episode, from The Documentary, is hosted by Dear Daughter’s Namulanta Kombo. She speaks to women from around the world who are in the so-called “global care chain”. The Documentary, from the BBC World Service, is the home of original storytelling – bringing the globe to your ears. News about season 3 of Dear Daughter will be coming here soon.
Sun, June 18, 2023
Holding on to love: Dear Daughter live
Disastrous dates and how to make a relationship last. It's our second live show in Nairobi, Kenya. We hear a tale of a truly disastrous date and find out about the tough dating scene in Nairobi. Plus, advice on how to make a relationship last, while holding on to your own identity. Letter writers: Stand-up comedian Maina Murumba and public commentator Daisy Maritim Maina. This is the final episode in season 2. Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, June 11, 2023
Finding love: Dear Daughter live in Nairobi
How to approach dating. Tips and laughs, as we explore relationships and the highs and lows of dating, in our first ever live show. Hear from our guests and audience in Nairobi, Kenya. Our letter writers tell their daughters that they need to set boundaries, have mutual respect and not to settle for less than they deserve. Letter writers: Tatiana Karanja and Peter Nduati. Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, June 04, 2023
Dear son
“Fly the plane”, volunteer and keep asking why. Andy is an airline pilot from Northern Ireland. He tells his son to avoid being thrown off course by life’s many distractions, volunteer for everything, and keep asking questions. The final golden rule? Always stand up to inappropriate locker room banter. Plus, Namulanta has a letter for her son too. Letter writer: Andy Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on Send us your letters. #DearDaughter
Sun, May 28, 2023
You are wanted
It’s a girl! Bucking the trend of wanting a son. Shakti was keen to have a daughter, but explains that in India there’s a lot of cultural pressure to have a son. When she was growing up, people were always asking her parents if they were going to try for a boy - making her feel unwanted. Now, Shakti writes to her daughter explaining just how much she is loved. Letter writer: Shakti Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, May 21, 2023
Trying to conceive
A letter to a daughter who doesn’t exist yet. Lucia has been trying to get pregnant for three years. She tells Namulanta that she was inspired to be “less discreet” about what she’s been going through after listening to a past episode of Dear Daughter – and that since she started talking about it, she’s discovered a whole world of other people going through similar experiences. Plus, the one thing you should never say to someone struggling with infertility. Letter writer: Lucia Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter Audio for this episode was updated on 22 May 2023.
Sun, May 14, 2023
Keep growing, always change
Celebrating how kids change as they grow. Claire thinks that nostalgia for babies and small children shouldn’t stop you from embracing the next stages in their development. She and her wife have twin daughters who were born prematurely. In those early weeks, they found it hard to see the future. Now the twins are seven, Claire is able to celebrate the different stages of their lives. But she’s still learning how best to parent them, and their four-year-old sister, as they continue growing. Letter writer: Claire Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, May 07, 2023
On apples and trees
Turning into your mother can be a joy and a trial. When Jacinta in Johannesburg became a parent, she found that her perspective on her own mother changed completely. She reads a letter to her young daughters about what they can learn from older generations after realising “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. Plus, how to avoid telling your children that they’ll only understand things when they get older. Letter writer: Jacinta Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, April 30, 2023
Making friends
The Scummy Mummies on friendship, bullying and embracing the chaos of parenting. Comedians Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson met when their children were little and started a podcast called the Scummy Mummies. Ten years, a sell-out UK comedy tour and more than 250 episodes later, they join Namulanta to talk about friendship – from getting through the awkward teen years to making friends as an adult. Letter writers: Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, April 23, 2023
Generation gap
How to give advice people will actually listen to. When Anna in Switzerland was younger, her grandmothers used to give her advice – but she dismissed it. She thought they were old-fashioned and didn’t understand her life. Now she’s a grandmother herself, and when she looks at her granddaughter she can’t imagine what the world she will live in will be like. How can she pass on what she’s learned about life? Anna and Namulanta discuss how to connect across the generational divide. Letter writer: Anna Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, April 16, 2023
Without mum
The challenges of parenting as a widower. When Ani’s daughter was just two years old, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Her illness dominated their daughter’s early years, and she died when the child was six. Ani explains how he’s trying to teach his daughter what her mother was like before she became ill. Plus, how a Joe Wicks workout helped the family manage their grief. Letter writer: Ani Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, April 09, 2023
Grandma’s gift
Follow your dreams - but remember your roots! Instead of hearing from a letter writer, Namulanta talks to Alejandra about what it meant to receive letters of advice from her grandmother. Her grandma gave her blessing and guidance on moving abroad for a new life. Letter writer: Alejandra’s grandmother Maria Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, April 02, 2023
Spend some, save some
Talking to children about money can be awkward, but it’s important to start young. Davinia Tomlinson has written a book of money advice for girls called Cash Is Queen. She explains how she talks to her own daughters about money and how the skills she learned in the British financial services industry enabled her to plan a new life closer to her Caribbean roots. Plus, Davinia shares some inspirational advice from her own grandmother. Letter writer: Davinia Tomlinson Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Sun, March 26, 2023
I’m not fine
Why are women expected to endure pain in silence? Meera grew up in India and has battled multiple illnesses for most of her life. They’ve impacted her relationships with her mother, her husband and her kids - especially her young daughter. She says: “As a girl I was taught that a woman’s strength came from her ability to endure great pain and suffering.” But in a letter to her daughter, Meera insists women shouldn’t say “I’m fine” if they’re not. Letter writer: Meera Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Mon, March 20, 2023
Kindness: My superpower
The generosity of others helped Monique rebuild her life. She’s gone through more trauma than most, having fled genocide in Rwanda, lived in refugee camps and lost everything in a fire in the US. And yet at every stage she’s had the help of strangers. Letter writer: Monique Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter Audio for this episode was updated on 22nd March 2023.
Mon, March 13, 2023
Kids? No pressure
You don’t need to give me a grandchild. Simone promises having children will be up to her daughter. She says in her letter: “Make your own decision.” Simone is from Mozambique and tells Namulanta that society puts a lot of pressure on women to have a baby. Letter writer: Simone Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Mon, March 06, 2023
Healing letters
The 'Queen of Letters', Isabel Allende, on writing, processing grief and a full garage. The best-selling author wrote to her late daughter, Paula, when she was in a coma. She then turned the letters into a book. She says writing “allowed me to understand what had happened and deal with it”. Isabel has a garage full of her daily correspondence with her own mother. Her novels include The House of the Spirits, City of the Beasts and Eva Luna. Letter writer: Isabel Allende Isabel is reading an extract from her book Paula. Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Mon, February 27, 2023
Your dad, my dad
Marian’s dad left when she was little. Now, she’s giving her daughter “the most special gift”. She looks at her husband and daughter playing together and it means so much to her. That is the inspiration for her letter. Season two of Dear Daughter begins with a story of two fathers and two daughters, which starts during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Letter writer: Marian Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Tue, February 14, 2023
Coming soon: Season 2
We’re back! Join us weekly from 27 February for the second season of Dear Daughter, winner of Podcast of the Year at the 2022 British Podcast Awards. Namulanta Kombo is collecting more of your letters – funny, moving, thoughtful advice and words of wisdom for daughters everywhere. Namulanta started by writing letters to her own daughter Koko, then asked her friends and family to write to Koko too. Then she won the BBC’s first International Podcast Competition, and started collecting letters of advice from all over the world. In season 2 we’ll hear letter writers from Moldova to Mozambique talking about love, families, grief, money, friendship - we’re creating a handbook to life. But we need your letters! Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter to find out more. #DearDaughter
Mon, March 21, 2022
Growing pains
Teenage conflict, pushing boundaries and the unexpected letter. “You won't understand why I seem to like being mean.” Angie writes to her daughter Kira about being the bad cop and not trying to win the nicest mummy competition. Episode 15 letter writer: Angie This is the final episode of the first season of #DearDaughter We hope you have been inspired to write your own letters. Please send them to us and we might be able to include them in future episodes. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”.
Mon, March 14, 2022
I left for you
Raquel left her children to work abroad, so she could give them a better life. “I still remember the pain.” Her daughter Alyssa shares her feelings about their years apart. Episode 14 letter writer: Raquel Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to bbcworldservice/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, March 07, 2022
Birds and bees
“Nothing is off limits.” Daisy on how she will talk to her daughter about sex: smashing taboos and overcoming old-fashioned attitudes. Episode 13 letter writer: Daisy Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, February 28, 2022
Empty arms
Deborah writes letters to her daughter Sibby, who was stillborn at 40 weeks. “We were delighted to meet her, even though my heart was broken into a million pieces”. Please be aware that this episode discusses baby loss. If you have been affected by the issues in this episode, there are support charities in many countries or it may help to speak to a medical professional or someone you trust. Episode 12 letter writer: Deborah Send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, February 21, 2022
The confidence of a cockroach
“Jump off the dumpster of doubt!” Comedian Tumi Morake on challenging her fear of failure, what her daughter can learn from a cockroach, and why she should never feel too afraid to “jump, my baby, jump”. Tumi was the first African woman to have her own Netflix special, and the first woman to present Comedy Central Presents in Africa. She explains why overcoming self-doubt can lead to rewards and adventures. Episode 11 letter writer: Tumi Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, February 14, 2022
Fly bird, fly
“Learn something bigger.” Nkule wants her daughter to discover life beyond her home town. It’s a story of two cultures colliding and stereotypes crumbling. Nkule’s message to her daughter is to meet new people, try new foods and see the world. Episode 10 letter writer: Nkule Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, February 07, 2022
Seize the day
“I never want to disappoint someone”. The pitfalls of people-pleasing and not taking risks. Tatiana reflects on the fear of disappointing her parents and the downsides of following the crowd. She hopes her future daughter will be brave enough to take more risks in life. Episode 9 letter writer: Tatiana Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, January 31, 2022
Faith in you
The best of both worlds? One new baby and two religions. Mum and dad are trying to figure it out. How will they bring up their daughter? Episode 8 letter writer: Joe Please send Namulanta your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, January 24, 2022
Perfect match
Matchmakers, a fake engagement ring and love; welcome to the marriage game. “They’ll wonder, are you good enough for their son? The question is, are they good enough for you?” Episode 7 letter writer: Nashra Please send us your letter. Go to www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letter”. #DearDaughter
Mon, January 17, 2022
Just ask mum
My mum’s letter to me! Namulanta’s own mum, Dorcas, is back on the show with a letter to share. She talks with her daughter about self-preservation, mum-guilt and life in colonial, pre-independent Kenya. Episode 6 letter writer: Dorcas Inspired by Dorcas? Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Mon, January 10, 2022
Pah Pah and Ma Ma
An escape by boat, pirates, prejudice and a “strength that lies within”. Charlene’s family was among the Vietnamese “boat people”, fleeing in search of a “better life”. Charlene fears her daughter might encounter similar racism to what she faced. She hopes she’ll be inspired by the stories of the strong women in her family, like Pah Pah and Ma Ma. Episode 5 letter writer: Charlene Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on 'Send us your letters'. #DearDaughter
Mon, January 03, 2022
Self-defence guy
Robin tries out blue acrylic fingernails. He advises his daughter to “always trust your instincts” and to “be prepared for anything”. He makes self-defence videos for women using skills he learnt in the military. Episode 4 letter writer: Robin. Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on 'Send us your letters'. #DearDaughter
Mon, December 27, 2021
'Wife material'
Under pressure to tie the knot? Elle says, “Everyone is praying for me to get married.” She grew up thinking marriage was essential, but as she’s grown older, she’s changed her mind. Episode 3 letter writer: Elle. Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on 'Send us your letters'. #DearDaughter
Mon, December 20, 2021
Thongs and eyebrows
Underwear, razors and teenage angst. The perils of trying to fit in and be noticed. It’s a tale of accidental wedgies, stealing (sort of) from dad and attempting to impress the boys. Episode 2 letter writers: Naliaka and Emma. Please send us your letter. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Fri, December 10, 2021
For Koko
Three mums, new and old letters - the beginning of a handbook to life. “When I go, my memory is going to go with me”, so it’s time to start writing. Episode 1 letter writers: Namulanta and Lisa. Plus, meet Dorcas. This podcast needs you and your letters. Go to bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter and click on “Send us your letters”. #DearDaughter
Thu, November 25, 2021
Introducing: Dear Daughter
Funny, heart-breaking, insightful and ultimately honest – help Namulanta create a handbook to life. She won the BBC’s International Podcast Competition 2021 and wants to hear your letters. Get in touch at www.bbcworldservice.com/deardaughter Begins on 10 December 2021 #DearDaughter
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