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.

Bloggy Boot Camp: Mommy Bloggers Meet in San Francisco

By Donne Davis | August 24, 2010

Here’s my summary of Bloggy Boot Camp in San Francisco, a day-long conference, offered by SITS Girls, for mommy bloggers to learn more about search engine optimization, driving up page views and building a comment tribe.

Read More »

Gratitude: Your Key to
Happiness & Good Health

By Donne Davis | March 18, 2019

Expressing gratitude has many positive benefits for our physical and mental health, our happiness, and our resilience. The more you look for things to be grateful for the better you’ll feel.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Ezine Receives All Star Award

By Donne Davis | March 16, 2011

For the second year in a row, GaGa Sisterhood’s online newsletter has won Constant Contact’s All-Star Award.

Read More »

Bunch of Grapes Halloween Costume

By Donne Davis | November 5, 2009

For Halloween I discovered a “grape” idea for my granddaughters’ costumes – bunches of grapes, from the website Grandloving. Use balloons, felt and safety pins.

Read More »

My Grandma Could Do Anything: Children’s Books for Hip Grandmas

By Donne Davis | July 22, 2010

Author Ric Dilz has created a children’s book series titled “My Grandma Could Do Anything” that shows a smiling grandma engaged in fun, challenging adventures that she doesn’t actually do, but she could.

Read More »

Boost Your Grandchild’s Creativity

By Donne Davis | October 19, 2020

You can boost your grandchild’s creative life and in the process contribute to his or her happiness and well-being. Creative abilities help children adapt and thrive in increasingly complex and uncertain times. A child’s talent may be of less importance than the encouragement they receive from those around them.

Read More »

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration — in the ER

By Donne Davis | June 25, 2018

We haven’t officially celebrated our anniversary yet. But we did give each other a precious gift — the knowledge that our love for each other is strong enough to withstand disappointment and adversity.

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.

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My New Year’s Review and Renew Ritual

By Donne Davis | January 3, 2011

A new calendar year gets us thinking about change. My husband and I have shared a New Year’s Eve ritual for years. We reminisce and write goals for the new year.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Donates to Women’s Gathering Place Through Wish Book

By Donne Davis | January 3, 2017

Every year The Mercury News publishes a “Wish Book,” with stories of individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations who need help. I was touched by the Women’s Gathering Place in San Jose, California and made a donation on behalf of the GaGa Sisterhood.

Read More »

Helping Your Grandchild with the Loss of a Grandparent

By Donne Davis | October 2, 2018

Helping your grandchild cope with the loss of a grandparent and the ensuing grief is unique to every family. There’s no one way to grieve, no right or wrong response.

Read More »

A Grandma Turns 60 and Discovers the Fountain of Youth

By Donne Davis | September 8, 2009

Senior Games athletes don’t define themselves by their age or the adversity they’ve faced living out their years. They continue to run and jump and play, and appreciate that life is for living, enjoying, trying new things and having fun.

Read More »

What it Means to be a Modern Grandma

By Donne Davis | December 7, 2017

When I go through a new stage in life, I find comfort and support talking to other people who are going through the same thing. The idea for the GaGa Sisterhood came from becoming a new grandma.

Read More »

Storytelling Brings Family History to Life

By Donne Davis | May 28, 2015

Storytelling is more than entertainment. Storytelling brings family history to life while fostering imagination and creativity.

Read More »

Grandma Garbas Didn’t Fit the Mold

By Donne Davis | January 26, 2012

When I hear the word grandma, I don’t picture a rosy-cheeked, sweet, little, white-haired lady. My mind conjures a devilish grin and hands wrapped around a glass of rye.

Read More »

Boomer Grandparents Play Mom and Dad Part-time

By Donne Davis | April 4, 2016

Lesley Stahl reports on the growing role of “granny nannies” who are helping to raise their grandchildren, partly because childcare is expensive and grandparents really want to be there.

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 »

Reporting for Doodie: A Grandma’s Tour of Duty

By Donne Davis | March 18, 2010

J.L. (Judy) Smith became the sole caregiver for her three-year old grandson, Marcus, when his mom and dad were both deployed in the U.S. Military. Smith’s tour of “doodie” was six months, one week, three days, and seven hours long. Reporting for Doodie is her humorous, honest, poignant, and irreverent account of that period.

Read More »

Do You Know How to Be a Good Listener?

By Donne Davis | May 19, 2014

People think that when we hear, we listen. But listening is really hard work, and takes a lot of concentration. Here are 3 ways to become a better listener.

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Grandma’s Heart Opens Up When Grandson Arrives

By Donne Davis | April 9, 2018

When a grandchild arrives, the heart opens up in ways you can’t imagine as author Susan Byrum Rountree discovered during her first week with her new grandson.

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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