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.

Hallmark Recordable Books Make a Long-Distance Connection

By Donne Davis | December 21, 2010

There are many high-tech ways to connect with our grandchildren. Here’s one more: Recordable Storybooks.They’re especially popular during the holiday season.

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 »

Estrangement from Grandchildren Is a Growing Problem

By Donne Davis | October 16, 2017

Grandparents denied access to their grandchildren feel too ashamed to talk about it and believe they’re the only ones with the problem. Yet estrangement from grandchildren is a growing problem.

Read More »

Celebrating a Friend’s Passing with a Garden of Flowers

By Donne Davis | July 3, 2012

My friend asked friends and relatives to celebrate the passing of her partner by bringing flowers. The room glowed with hydrangeas, sunflowers, roses, star gazers, and lilies.

Read More »

Grandma’s Candy Dish Brings Back Sweet Memories

By Donne Davis | July 3, 2009

Savoring penny candy with my grandmother at the Saturday matinees led to my lifetime of sweet pleasures

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 »

Start a New Birthday Tradition (Giveaway)

By Donne Davis | March 23, 2020

Joni Rubinstein, author of “The Night Before My Birthday Book” tells the story of how her book took on a life of its own. The GaGa Sisterhood is giving away an autographed copy of her book.

Read More »

Don’t Forget to Phone Your Mother

By Donne Davis | March 30, 2009

Many women phone their moms daily and many wish they still had that opportunity. Those of us who still can call our mothers are blessed.

Read More »

The Granny Diaries: A Guide for Grandmothers

By Donne Davis | December 4, 2008

I wish Adair Lara had written her book, The Granny Diaries, when I first became a grandma. I would have felt so much better about all the mistakes I’ve made over the past five years. I just finished her 119-page book

Read More »

Would You Let Your Baby Wear a Snarky T-shirt?

By Donne Davis | August 14, 2012

Snarky t-shirts have always been popular, but now they’re even putting them on baby clothes. One t-shirt reads “Does this diaper make me look fat?”

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 »

Another Ponytail Donated to Locks of Love

By Donne Davis | July 11, 2009

Daughter donates another ponytail to Locks of Love, an organization that gives wigs to children suffering from hair loss due to alopecia.

Read More »

Looie Mattioli: This GRANDmom
Is Boss of Pocono Raceway!

By Donne Davis | May 6, 2019

The new CEO of Pocono Raceway is Marilouise “Looie” Mattioli, a grandmom and businesswoman. She never saw herself in this role but her legendary father, Doc Mattioli had other plans.

Read More »

Dinner Ritual Born of 9/11

By Donne Davis | September 13, 2011

On the day after 9/11, my husband and I started a ritual we’ve continued to this day. When we sit down to dinner, we light a candle and say something we’re grateful for that day.

Read More »

Grandparenting and the Cycle of Life

By Donne Davis | April 25, 2024

Judith Frizlen describes grandparenting as an extraordinary connection to our grandchildren without the heavy load borne by their parents.

Read More »

8 Insights for Balanced Living

By Donne Davis | August 26, 2010

How do you stay grounded and not allow yourself to get caught up in the chaos and uncertainty that seems to surround us these days? Renee Trudeau offers 8 insights for finding balance in your life.

Read More »

Wicked Uncle Delivers Brilliant Children’s Presents

By Donne Davis | September 16, 2019

If you’re looking for a unique gift to send to your grandchild, try Wicked Uncle. This website has a really useful selection of fun, unusual and different presents for children.

Read More »

Considering Going Solo in the Workforce? You Should!

By Donne Davis | July 10, 2017

Thanks to Individual Vision Plans from VSP, people who work for themselves can now get the same great benefits and savings as they would if they were covered under an employer’s plan.

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 »

Most Popular Grandma Names

By Donne Davis | September 18, 2023

According to a survey of 1,500 people across the U.S., “Nana” is the most popular nickname for grandmas.

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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