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.

Advice to New Moms: Bring in the Grandparents

By Donne Davis | May 22, 2017

What do new moms really need to know? My advice to new moms would be to bring in the grandparents.

Read More »

Grandparents Need to Respect Parents’ Food Choices

By Donne Davis | April 5, 2011

Many grandparents are in a quandary about their role in the lives of their grandchildren. The days are long gone when grandparents were the source of all knowledge.

Read More »

Amanda Gorman’s Grandmother Speaks to GaGa Sisterhood on Nov 14

By Donne Davis | October 25, 2021

Bertha Gaffney Gorman will share what it’s like to be the grandmother of the world-renown inaugural poet, Amanda Gorman at the GaGa Sisterhood November 14 Zoom meeting.

Read More »

Relaxing the Rules When Grandma Visits

By Donne Davis | November 13, 2009

When visiting grandchildren, grandmas should respect the parents’ routines. Parents should allow grandmas to have fun even if they have to bend the rules.

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 »

The Role of a Modern Grandparent (Audio)

By Donne Davis | March 27, 2017

Recently, I spoke to a group of grandparents on “Why Grandparents Matter.” You can listen to a 9-minute recording summarizing the key points of my hour-long presentation.

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 »

Reflections from a First Time Grandpa

By Donne Davis | July 15, 2019

The first time Joel Poznansky held his new granddaughter in his arms, he was overcome by a feeling he’d never before experienced – especially compared to his feelings when he became a parent.

Read More »

Mike Robbins Nails It with Nothing Changes Until You Do

By Donne Davis | May 6, 2014

Mike Robbins’ new book, Nothing Changes Until You Do offers lessons and insights on how we can have more compassion, acceptance, and love for ourselves, others, and life itself.

Read More »

Should Grandma Invoice Daughter for Granddaughter’s Visit

By Donne Davis | August 9, 2017

A letter to “Ask Amy” really shocked me. A grandma sent an invoice to her daughter for her granddaughter’s visit. Would you invoice your kids after a visit with your grandchild?

Read More »

Cannon Beach, Oregon Is a Vacation Spot for All Ages

By Donne Davis | September 18, 2009

Cannon Beach is a spectacular spot to explore tide pools around Haystack Rock, hike in Ecola State Park, and enjoy great food in town.

Read More »

Should Grandma Charge for Babysitting?

By Donne Davis | July 30, 2014

When her D-I-L asked her to watch her 2-month-old son because she has to work, the grandma said, “Yes, but when you’re making money, it isn’t on MY time, so I will charge you.”

Read More »

Stop, Look, and Listen Helps Grandmas Practice Empathy

By Donne Davis | January 2, 2013

Remember when you were first learning to cross the street? Our moms told us to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN. Those three words will also get us into the right mindset for showing empathy.

Read More »

Cheeky Monkey Toys Creates a WOW Experience for the Whole Family

By Donne Davis | February 28, 2012

Can you imagine how fun it would be to work in a toy store? Anna Chow could. That’s why she and her husband bought Cheeky Monkey Toys. It’s not Don’t Touch, but a place where kids can be kids.

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 »

5 Tips for Members of the Club Sandwich Generation

By Donne Davis | January 20, 2015

We grandmas are part of the “club sandwich generation” with demands from all sides: taking care of our aging parents, helping our adult children and babysitting our grandchildren.

Read More »

Why Do Grandmothers Exist?

By Donne Davis | February 12, 2013

I participated in a in a Huff Post Live panel with Judith Shulevitz to discuss her New Republic article: Why Do Grandmothers Exist? Solving an evolutionary mystery.

Read More »

5 Must-Have Resources for the Self-employed

By Donne Davis | September 27, 2017

Baby boomers are rethinking retirement in favor of ‘Encore Careers’ working for themselves. Here are just five of the many must-have resources available for your “second act.”

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 »

Stay Connected to Away-College Grandkids

By Donne Davis | February 2, 2022

Author Karen Rancourt, Ph.D. suggests how grandparents can have a presence in the lives of their away-at-college grandchildren without being intrusive or overbearing.

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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