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.

Donne Davis

Donne Davis
Founder of
GaGa Sisterhood

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.

Nurture Your Grandchild’s Sense of Humor

By Donne Davis | November 20, 2023

You can nurture your grandchild’s sense of humor while engaging in playful fun. Play is vital for the growth and development of a child.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Blog in Top 10 Grandparent Websites

By Donne Davis | September 3, 2014

GRAND Magazine scouted around the Internet to view grandparent websites and chose the GaGa Sisterhood blog among the ten that they thought really stood out.

Read More »

LaRue Across America Charms Children and Adults

By Donne Davis | March 28, 2011

In this charming childrens book, a dog named Ike gets into imaginative adventures as he is forced to go on a road trip with his owner, Mrs. LaRue, and two cats.

Read More »

My Mom Is My Role Model

By Donne Davis | December 28, 2020

I wanted to make my mom’s 98th birthday a little special this year since I wouldn’t be able to celebrate with her in person. So I wrote to all my cousins and friends who know my mom and asked them to help me surprise her by sending her a card.

Read More »

The Kissing Hand Eases Separation Anxiety

By Donne Davis | May 18, 2010

After helping my 3-year old granddaughter get over her separation anxiety, I did some research and discovered The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, a sweet book that can help children deal with their separation anxiety.

Read More »

Grandparents and Grandchildren Road Trips

By Donne Davis | July 22, 2014

More and more grandparents are starting a tradition of taking their grandchildren on road trips, sans the parents, to celebrate various milestones in their lives.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Featured on Ask Dr. Business (VIDEO)

By Donne Davis | March 2, 2010

Donne Davis was featured on Ask Dr. Business, a cable tv show hosted by Roy Blitzer at the Media Center in Palo Alto, CA. focusing on how to make work more satisfying.

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GaGa Sisterhood in Top 10 Grandparent Websites

By Donne Davis | September 16, 2013

The GaGa Sisterhood has been recognized as one of the top 10 websites for grandparents in 2013 by GRAND Magazine.

Read More »

Grandma Announcement Gift

By Donne Davis | June 26, 2013

First-time parents-to-be who are looking for a clever way to announce “You’re going to be grandparents,” will find ABC3D makes the perfect gift to give the new grandparents.

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Are You Guilty of Gift Giving Competition?

By Donne Davis | December 17, 2012

Are you caught up in the gift giving frenzy this holiday season? Do you wonder whether the gifts you give your grandchildren will be as good as the “other” grandma’s?

Read More »

May 15 GaGa Sisterhood Meeting Features Author Paola Gianturco

By Donne Davis | May 9, 2022

At our May 15 Zoom meeting, Paola Gianturco will share stories from “COOL: Women Leaders Reversing Global Warming” and suggest ways we and our grandchildren can create a Family Climate Action Plan. All grandmas are welcome to attend our Zoom meeting from 2 – 4 pm PDT.

Read More »

Grandmas Are Busy, But Moms Are Busier

By Donne Davis | February 10, 2011

Grandmas and moms are both busy, but moms have more pressures than grandmas had when they were raising them. Grandmas, unlike most moms, still have time for themselves.

Read More »

Fighting Ageism One Person at a Time

By Donne Davis | March 5, 2012

Ageism is rampant in our society. Most Americans tend to have little tolerance for older people and very few reservations about harboring negative attitudes toward older people.

Read More »

Do Grandparents Matter?

By Donne Davis | September 21, 2020

Emily Morgan, author, and grandma of 9 grandchildren hosts the Grand Life podcast. In a recent episode, “Do Grandparents Matter,” she explores how the Pandemic has triggered some hard questions for Emily that are bigger than grandparenting.

Read More »

Are You Denied Access to Your Grandchildren?

By Donne Davis | April 25, 2016

Sadly, many grandparents are denied access to their grandchildren. Author Pat Hanson calls these heartbroken grandparents “Invisible Grandparents” and offers help to them in her book.

Read More »

Sharing Grandchildren With the “Other” Grandparents

By Donne Davis | August 19, 2015

What kind of relationship do you have with the “other” grandparents? Is it a tug-of-war over the grandchildren or a unified team that appreciates each others’ strengths?

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Have a Happy, Safe and Unleaded Halloween

By Donne Davis | October 29, 2009

I hate to be the ogre in your Halloween festivities – The Center for Health, Environment & Justice has a scary Halloween warning: face paint and masks contain harmful chemicals

Read More »

Parentless Parents Need Surrogate Grandparents

By Donne Davis | November 10, 2009

Parents who’ve lost their own parents find it hard to raise their children without grandparents. There is a website that is matching families with surrogate grandparents.

Read More »

Mom Needs Help with Critical Grandma

By Donne Davis | October 14, 2011

This letter to Dear Abby about an overly critical grandma appeared on October 9. Here’s some advice to the mother from my daughter, who’s a marriage and family therapist.

Read More »

Cranberry Pie Recipe is Foolproof

By Donne Davis | December 24, 2009

If you’re looking for a sure-fire, easy to fix dessert for your holiday parties, this Cranberry Pie recipe is foolproof. I love anything with cranberries in it. That sweet-tart flavor of cranberries is pure bliss in cakes, crisps, cookies, even granola. It has the texture of a shortbread.

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

Some Kudos GaGa Sisterhood Received Over The Years

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