Welcome to GaGa Sisterhood

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Guide For Grandmas

When Being a Grandma Isn't So Grand - Author Donne Davis

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Whether you’re a brand-new grandma, a seasoned grandma, or a grandma-at-heart, you’ve come to the right place. The GaGa Sisterhood has a wealth of resources for grandmas who are totally “gaga” for their grandchildren.

As the founder of the GaGa Sisterhood, I’ve been curating resources for grandmas since I first became one in 2003. I know firsthand how complicated the role can be. When you and your grandchild’s parents begin the exciting journey of welcoming this precious new being into the family, your lives will be forever changed.

You will experience the highest highs and possibly the lowest lows as you grow into your title of “Grandma” or “Nana” or “Noni” or a host of other grandma names. Whether you’re “Kiki” or “Baba,” (my grandma name,) choosing your grandma moniker may be your first big decision.

The content on this website includes twenty years of blog posts that offer advice on how to begin this exciting new relationship, book recommendations, ways to stay connected with your grandchildren, long-distance grandparenting advice, self-care and much more.

Be sure to click on our Resources page, where you’ll find links to our favorite grandparent websites. On our Press page, you’ll find links to podcasts and articles featuring my conversations with hosts about the ins and outs of being a grandma.

How Ga Ga Sisterhood Was Born

History of GaGa Sisterhood

Idea grew out of passion for becoming a grandma

My idea for GaGa Sisterhood grew out of my passion for becoming a grandma after witnessing the birth of my first grandchild, Juliet on April 26, 2003.

Immediately, I wanted to find kindred sisters who shared my enthusiasm, and boy did I! So many grandmas have graced my life over 20 years — it’s hard to quantify.
For two decades GaGa Sisterhood was a growing national membership organization. The organization provided “gaga” grandmas a place to bond, brag, and benefit.

Contact Me

Contact me if you need an article on grandparenting, a guest on your podcast or a speaker for your organization.

For more than twenty years, I’ve been writing and speaking on the joys and challenges of modern grandparents as well as the importance of rituals and traditions for families.

Drop a note to me on the Contact Form.

Over the Years

From our first meeting on December 7, 2003 to our last farewell meeting on December 7, 2023, grandmas have shared their stories and touched my heart.

For two decades, the GaGa Sisterhood has always been a labor of love for me. I produced regular blog posts and newsletters for our growing audience of grandmas. Over the years, the format of the group evolved but my mission remained firm — to inspire grandmas to keep growing and learning along with our children and grandchildren.

Since COVID, it became more laborious trying to juggle two almost disparate groups — our original local Silicon Valley grandmas and our newer online community from all over the U.S. (sometimes even Australia) The other difference was the age of our grandchildren. Lots of our members felt they’ve “aged out” because their grandchildren were teenagers and older. Finding speakers and topics that appealed to all ages became more challenging.

As I faced these challenges, I realized it was time for me to step down from hosting regular meetings and bid farewell to our GaGa Sisterhood members.

20 years -December 7, 2003 to December 7, 2023

On December 7, 2023, our GaGa Sisterhood members met for our last formal meeting. While there will be some small, local franchised GaGa Sisterhood groups who will continue to meet in their local neighborhoods, we are no longer continuing GaGa Sisterhood as a national online membership organization.

Going forward

Many ask me what’s next? I’ll continue to enjoy my three precious grandchildren and family. I’ll write articles and do some speaking on some of my favorite topics — the joys and challenges of modern grandparenting and rituals and traditions. I’m available for podcasts, panels, and public speaking opportunities.

Contact me if you or your organization needs a speaker. I look forward to staying in touch.  Drop a note to me on our Contact Form.

GaGa Sisterhood Resources

Link to Blog- 20 years of blog posts to inspire grandmas to keep growing and learning

Link to Resources - GaGa Sisterhood’s favorite grandparent websites

Link to Media and Press Clippings - links to podcasts and articles featuring me and the GaGa Sisterhood

Ask GaGa - send a note to connect

Visit GaGa Sisterhood Blog

20 years of posts about topics grandmas need to know

Our Blog contains 20 years of grandparent-focused content. Below are excerpts from some random posts published during the past 20 years. Click on the excerpt link to read the entire post. Also, you can search all the posts by Topic, when you visit our Blog Page.

Grandmothers Juggling Families and Jobs

By Donne Davis | October 3, 2016

Many grandmas care for their grandchildren regularly and also balance family life and careers. Meyer’s book addresses the issues of child care, emotional support, financial support and custodial care.

Read More »

Should Grandma Charge for Babysitting?

By Donne Davis | July 30, 2014

When her D-I-L asked her to watch her 2-month-old son because she has to work, the grandma said, “Yes, but when you’re making money, it isn’t on MY time, so I will charge you.”

Read More »

Swimming Safety Rules For Children

By Donne Davis | June 14, 2010

Swimming can be great fun for children, but it is critical for children, parents and grandparents to know the rules for swimming safety.

Read More »

Encourage Persistence in Children

By Donne Davis | December 30, 2010

We sometimes think that being good at something is an innate ability. But success is a function of persistence and hard work. Here are 7 ways to encourage persistence.

Read More »

Are Grandmas and Grandpas Different in Their Grandparenting Styles?

By Donne Davis | January 25, 2023

Are grandmas and grandpas different in how they relate to their grandchildren? Emily and Mike Morgan explain how their grandparenting styles have evolved.

Read More »

Website Pairs Surrogate Grandparents With Parentless Parents

By Donne Davis | November 18, 2013

Christene wanted her daughter to have grandparents, so she started the website surrogategrandparenting.com, which matches parentless parents with surrogate grandparents.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Ezine Receives All Star Award

By Donne Davis | March 9, 2010

The GaGazine, the monthly online GaGa Sisterhood newsletter, has been named a 2009 Constant Contact All Star. This distinction is awarded to Constant Contact business partners in recognition of effective use of email marketing and continued commitment to following best practices.

Read More »

Reading with Grandchildren Is a Form of Self-Care for Grandparents

By Donne Davis | November 15, 2021

Reading aloud regularly with a child is one of the more important habits a parent or grandparent can establish in a child’s life. It’s as much about the connection between two human beings as it is between the child and letters and words.

Read More »

5 Tips for Saying “No” to Your Child or Grandchild

By Donne Davis | August 22, 2016

Although saying “no” is not in our nature as grandparents, saying “no” can be an expression of true love and consideration that’s beneficial for kids and parents alike.

Read More »

Happy Grandparents Day!

By Donne Davis | September 11, 2022

Celebrate Grandparents Week with a virtual series of presentations by grandparent experts to help you grow meaningful relationships with your grandchildren.

Read More »

Taming Temper Tantrums in Teens and 2-Year-Olds

By Donne Davis | October 10, 2016

Temper tantrums are new to me as a grandma. But suddenly, I’m witnessing them with my two of my granddaughters: my 13-year old and her two-year-old cousin.

Read More »

Raising A Reader Emphasizes Book Cuddling

By Donne Davis | January 11, 2011

Raising A Reader, a national nonprofit organization, offers literacy and parent engagement programs that improve reading readiness in children birth to age five.

Read More »

Fighting the Overprotective Impulse

By Donne Davis | November 7, 2011

I know all about the free-range kid argument. Still, there is theory and then there is practice. I agree with the premise, but the truth is, I’m innately overprotective.

Read More »

Volunteering Is Good for the Doer

By Donne Davis | January 3, 2022

Randee Bloom will share the benefits of volunteer service at our January 9, 2022, GaGa Sisterhood Zoom meeting. Volunteering can enrich our happiness, health, longevity, and legacy.

Read More »

The Extreme Danger of Entitlement

By Donne Davis | November 2, 2020

How can we do our own grandparent thing to help our entitled grandkids learn about the importance and satisfaction of things like work, saving, delayed gratification, and self-reliance? This article by Richard and Linda Eyre explains four ways to teach our grandchildren to earn and do for themselves.

Read More »

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Family Quiz

By Donne Davis | May 8, 2023

Do you have any traditions to celebrate Mother’s Day? For many years I was blessed to be able to host Mother’s Day brunches that included three generations—my mother and my mother-in-law, my daughter, and myself. When my daughter became a mom in 2003 and brought our first grandchild, there were four generations celebrating Mother’s Day. […]

Read More »

Home Safety Tips for Grandmothers

By Donne Davis | June 22, 2009

Home safety tips grandmothers can use to make their homes safe for their grandchildren.

Read More »

The Real Fountain of Youth: Being a Grandparent

By Donne Davis | January 14, 2013

There is something thrilling about standing at opposite ends of a lifespan with your granddaughter: I, with so many years to reflect back on, and she, with her whole life ahead of her.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Ranked in Top 12 Grandparent Blogs

By Donne Davis | September 9, 2010

The GaGa Sisterhood was named one of the Top 12 GRANDparent Blogs in GRAND Magazine’s 1st Annual Best of the Web 2010 Awards. Their decision was based on criteria such as content, ease of navigation, Web traffic and overall look and appeal.

Read More »

Conversation with Adair Lara

By Donne Davis | April 17, 2009

On May 3, 2009 Adair Lara will speak to the GaGa Sisterhood in San Francisco and discuss her new book, The Granny Diaries.

Read More »

Testimonals

“I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday’s meeting, my first. What a lovely, dynamic bunch of women!”… Susan

“Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to join the GaGa sisterhood. I really enjoyed everyone and the common bond we all share in our own way as Grandmothers. It is surely a great group of women and I loved how open hearted everyone was, I felt very much at home”… Mary Beth

“I get many newsletters. By far, I’d say yours is one of the most interesting and useful” … Helga

“Usually I avoid groups, but the GaGa Sisterhood is very special and I enjoy the meetings, the subjects, and the other grandmas tremendously. Thank you for creating this group and keeping us going”… Carolyn

“Your Sisterhood organization information has been so helpful in preparing me for this unexpectedly rewarding time of life. Thank you” … Carolynn

“Thanks for sending the GaGazine. All of your tips and work are so valuable and fill such a need in uniting three generations”… Berna

“Your newsletter is consistently informative. I don’t know how you do it, but you write the best e-newsletters. I read every part of it. I am sorry that I missed this meeting, but your newsletter brought me up to date.  Thank you”… Carol

“Every meeting has offered something to take away with me ~ some little nugget of advice, some inspiration, a closer connection with another GaGa”… Susan

“You are in for lots of treats as our GaGa gatherings are always very enjoyable”… Kathleen

“After meeting all of you, I’ve been inspired by how you nurture your grandchildren and how GaGa Sisterhood is truly a place for us to be nurtured. You are a wonderful group of ladies and I am proud to have become a member”… Carol

“Your GaGazine is awesome!  Colorful, straightforward, and loaded with information”… Len

“The GaGazine is a real winner!”… Joyce

“You always produce an enjoyable must read. I look forward to every new issue. Keep up the Grand work!”… Christine

“I really had a transformative experience this afternoon! I came home and described the meeting in detail to my husband who was very interested and so pleased that I had this opportunity. The women were so open, and willing to share their experiences and caring attitudes! I will definitely join the group and hope to eventually bring some friends along too!”….Sue

“Thank you for being the very special, loving and caring person that you are. You are so generous to share your natural talents as our leader, to be better grandparents and people. We continue to learn much in many ways...from the speakers you bring to us, by the friendships and commonalities, to the fun and laughs, and even tears we share.  It is truly the very best, because of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you, dear Donne”…. Carol

“You plan such lovely meetings for all of us. I have developed two new friendships from our group, for which I will be ever grateful”… Bev

“What a wonderful GaGa Sisterhood meeting! The way you organized it worked so well and the questions really generated discussion in a most meaningful way. Hats off to you for figuring out how to make it work!”… Marcia

“The GaGa Sisterhood provides not only a place to brag, bond and benefit, but also a place for support, sharing and just plain silliness as we explore who we are as active, involved and evolving grandmothers”… Susan

“I feel very fortunate to have discovered GaGa Sisterhood while visiting my daughter who recently moved to California from the East Coast where I live. I’ve attended just a couple of meetings so far but those meetings and the women I’ve met there have helped me feel more at home at “my home away from home”. Because of this, I am trying to time my future visits to the West Coast, whenever possible, to match the bi-monthly GaGa Sisterhood meetings”… Marcia

“I love the speakers who present at our GaGa Sisterhood meetings.  They are always the highest caliber professionals and they always have something really interesting to say”… Carol

“I really enjoy meeting with this group of women. They are far more informed than the grandma’s of yesteryear. Moreover, they are willing to open up, share, and be enlightened by others. The group of women is very eclectic–each woman has a unique and individual gift to bring to our circle.”… Lisa

“I enjoyed the meeting today. It felt like a comfortable, supportive and fun place to be. Thanks for organizing this group. I think it is a good fit for me and I look forward to future get togethers”… Ricka

“Great meeting. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Very supportive and collegial. Thanks for creating such a warm environment”… Berna

“Thank you for an absolutely outstanding GaGa meeting this afternoon. I feel fortunate to be a part of this lovely group of women. It was an exceptional meeting and I appreciated how honest and genuine everyone was.”… Cheri

“I loved today’s GaGa meeting, it was enlightening and ever so much fun! I can’t wait until the next one in September. So glad I am now a part of this wonderful group of Grandmas!”… Carol

“I admire the way you run the meetings, how inclusive you are, and, mostly, the fact that you created this group out of a common life event–being a grandmother” .... Miriam

“What a treat to be able to share this amazing grandmother experience with those that ‘get it!’ Such a joy!”

"Being a part of The GaGa Sisterhood is such an incredible gift! I love the intellectual stimulation and the building of new relationships. I hope you understand what an incredible experience you're offering to so many of us. You truly are a blessing and I deeply appreciate all you do to make our meetings so meaningful"  .....  Kate

"Your newsletter has great information that's given me inspiration and wisdom on my journey as a grandparent." .... Diane

"Thank you for all you do for us. You enrich our lives and expand our minds" ... LH

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