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.

Giving Events and Experiences for Holiday Gifts

By Donne Davis | December 1, 2014

For the holidays this year, grandparents can give gifts of events and experiences, which are incredibly enriching and valuable alternatives to giving material gifts.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Celebrates 12th Anniversary

By Donne Davis | December 8, 2015

At our 12th anniversary luncheon, we sat in a circle and shared holiday stories. This year we shared holiday disaster stories and we sure did enjoy some laughs.

Read More »

The Importance of Today’s Grandmothers

By Donne Davis | March 20, 2013

What is the role that grandmothers play in modern life? Three grandmother experts discuss the impact grandmothers are making to reshape public life from health care to politics.

Read More »

Give a Personal Hug to a Loved One with Hug-E-Gram

By Donne Davis | June 5, 2012

Seven years ago Peri-Sue Zausner was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her recovery, she knew that hugs and laughter made her feel better. So she created the Hug-E-Gram.

Read More »

Life “Beyond Sixty” Is Fabulous

By Donne Davis | June 28, 2021

At age 65, Melissa Davey quit the job she’d been doing for 20 years and became a documentary filmmaker. She directed and produced “Beyond Sixty,” a 75-minute documentary about nine multi-talented women over the age of 60.

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Grandma Amelia’s Charoset Recipe

By Donne Davis | April 19, 2009

Cooking with your grandchildren is a great way to pass on your family heritage. I taught my granddaughter how to make my grandma’s charoset.

Read More »

How to Make Your Grandchild Feel Special

By Donne Davis | January 18, 2021

There is a wealth of creativity in every one of us grandmas just waiting to be revealed by our grandchild. That’s what grandchildren do – they inspire us to create something special just for them.

Read More »

Embracing Our Vulnerability

By Donne Davis | April 30, 2018

As we age, we may feel reluctant to show our vulnerability which feeds into the stereotypes of ageism. Sharing our vulnerability is not weakness; it’s allowing people to see who we are.

Read More »

Pom-Pom Monster Salon Is Big Hit with Grandchildren

By Donne Davis | January 11, 2012

This new Klutz craft-making kit includes everything you need to make stylish one-of-a-kind pom-poms and it’s easy enough for an 8-year old to do all by herself.

Read More »

Being Present with Grandkids vs. Entertaining Them

By Donne Davis | January 30, 2013

As grandparents, we often think we have to entertain our grandchildren when we’re together. But sometimes, just “going with the flow and no place to go” can be better.

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Create Family New Year’s Resolutions

By Donne Davis | December 27, 2018

Make New Year’s resolutions for your family by reflecting on the past year and thinking about the year to come. This conscious effort communicates a special kind of love to your family members.

Read More »

My Toaster Oven is Toast

By Donne Davis | December 17, 2009

My toaster oven died yesterday. I liked my old one. It was easy to use. Being a technophobe I’m afraid I’ll have to learn a new operating system when I replace it.

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35 Fun Activities to Enjoy with Your Grandchildren

By Donne Davis | June 17, 2019

We grandmas love spending time with our grandchildren, especially in the summer when the pace is slower. I’ve put together some of my favorite activities to enjoy with your grandchildren.

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When Adults Tease Children Everyone Loses

By Donne Davis | September 19, 2017

When adults tease children who do not know how to respond, teasing can be very harmful. Talk about how it makes the child feel and ask the teaser to apologize.

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When Sick Grandchildren Come to Visit

By Donne Davis | December 11, 2009

What do you do when your grandchildren visit and they’re sick: a) Tell them not to come, b) Postpone the visit, c) Keep the plans and get out the Lysol spray?

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 »

Should Grandma Suggest Parenting Classes?

By Donne Davis | January 31, 2018

I’m a big fan of Amy Dickinson’s advice column “Ask Amy.” My favorite letters involve challenges in the grandparent relationship. In this letter a grandma faces a common dilemma: how to offer parenting advice without offending her grandchildren’s parents. Since she’s a retired educator, her observations seem justified. But does that give her permission to […]

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Storytelling with Nancy Mellon

By Donne Davis | February 5, 2009

Nancy Mellon is a therapist, teacher, and author of three books. Her newest book is Body Eloquence. She has been teaching storytelling as a healing art for over two decades and believes that stories broaden our inner knowing, our compassion, and our sense of self.

Read More »

Celebrate Your Journey as a New Grandmother

By Donne Davis | February 15, 2021

The First-Time Grandmother’s Journal is a beautifully illustrated keepsake for recording and cherishing all of your emotions and magical moments of your grandmother journey.

Read More »

Run for the Seals on March 13

By Donne Davis | March 5, 2010

Take your grandchildren to the 2-mile run/walk Run for the Seals on March 13, 2010 in Sausalito, CA. and get a tour of the Marine Mammal Center when you’re finished.

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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