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.

Parents Want to Bond With Their Newborn—Alone

By Donne Davis | May 29, 2009

New parents want to bond alone with their newborn. Grandparents must be patient and respect their wishes until the new parents invite them into the “inner circle.”

Read More »

Grandmas Are Coping Creatively During the Coronavirus

By Donne Davis | April 27, 2020

If you’re missing your grandchildren during the Coronavirus, here are some truly creative ways to have fun and stay connected with them.

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.

Read More »

Rekindling Friendships After Loss

By Donne Davis | October 17, 2018

As we age, making time for friends can get interrupted by other more pressing priorities — aging parents, young grandchildren, and ill spouses. But friends are essential for our health and well-being.

Read More »

Grandmas Need a Sisterhood

By Donne Davis | August 15, 2016

Just like moms need to get together and talk, grandmas also need to talk to each other about the joys and challenges we face in our multi-generation relationships. Join the GaGa Sisterhood.

Read More »

Coping with Feelings of Being Unappreciated

By Donne Davis | July 8, 2013

It’s important for grandmas to show appreciation to the parents of their grandchildren. But many grandmas complain they don’t feel appreciated for all they do for their families.

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 »

33 Things To Know About Raising Creative Kids

By Donne Davis | November 16, 2010

Whitney Ferre, author of 33 Things To Know About Raising Creative Kids, believes creative thinking will determine our grandchildren’s success in the next century.

Read More »

Wonder Girls: Changing Our World

By Donne Davis | October 10, 2017

Paola Gianturco and her 11-year old granddaughter documented the work of 15 girl-led nonprofit groups in 13 countries in her their new book, Wonder Girls: Changing Our World.

Read More »

Distance Grandparenting With Young Grandchildren

By Donne Davis | August 3, 2020

We’re missing our physical connections with our young grandchildren. They don’t understand why we must restrict our contact with them. Now is the time to help our grandchildren feel relaxed and have fun on virtual visits.

Read More »

How to Conquer Clutter

By Donne Davis | March 28, 2022

Clutter can cause stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Sometimes our possessions hold us back and we don’t even realize. When we let go of them, it’s amazing how much lighter, clearer, and less encumbered we feel.

Read More »

Opening a Baby’s Time Capsule After 13 Years

By Donne Davis | May 10, 2016

In 2004, we celebrated my granddaughter’s first birthday by creating a time capsule for her. In April 2016, she opened her time capsule with her family — it was a magical moment for everyone.

Read More »

Michelle Obama Wants to Break the Cycle of Poor Nutrition

By Donne Davis | March 29, 2010

The First Lady says the solution to childhood obesity rests not with a bill from Congress or an executive order from her husband, but “instead, it’s about what all of us can do to help our kids (and grandkids) lead active, healthy lives.” Her program has four key components.

Read More »

How to Announce Your Pregnancy to Grandparents

By Donne Davis | October 9, 2014

A reader sent me this cute You Tube video of a “Surprise Baby Announcement” for the new grandparents to be. It’s the most creative one I’ve ever seen.

Read More »

Don’t Forget to Hug Your Grandchildren’s Parents

By Donne Davis | October 19, 2009

On my last visit to see my granddaughters, I was reminded of a very important lesson: Don’t forget to hug your grandchildren’s parents before you rush past them to grab your grandchildren. In the past, in my excitement to see my granddaughters, I’ve been guilty of bypassing my daughter.

Read More »

Bargain Hunting Tips for Grandma

By Donne Davis | August 6, 2009

Grandmas share bargain hunting tips for finding slightly-used treasures for their grandchildren.

Read More »

Grandma Makes Kids Paper Gown Costume From Recycled Tablecloth

By Donne Davis | July 26, 2010

My friend Jan constantly inspires me with the creative ideas she comes up with for her grandchildren. Her latest project reminded me of the story of Rumpelstiltskin, who spun straw into gold.

Read More »

Wondrous Child Anthology Captures Diversity of Contemporary Grandparenting

By Donne Davis | March 19, 2012

Wondrous Child: The Joys and Challenges of Grandparenting is a new anthology of 29 vivid essays by grandparents and grandchildren from diverse backgrounds.

Read More »

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Grandmas

By Donne Davis | December 29, 2015

I’m offering you an invitation to reflect on the past year, plan for the new one, and think about your New Year’s resolutions as a grandma.

Read More »

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.

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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