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.

Grandparents Need to Be Team Players

By Donne Davis | August 27, 2014

New grandmas often forget the most important people in their new relationship are the grandchild’s parents. That’s why grandparents need to be team players.

Read More »

Volunteering Is Good for the Doer

By Donne Davis | January 3, 2022

Randee Bloom will share the benefits of volunteer service at our January 9, 2022, GaGa Sisterhood Zoom meeting. Volunteering can enrich our happiness, health, longevity, and legacy.

Read More »

Grandma Amelia’s Stewed Fruit

By Donne Davis | August 7, 2008

On a recent trip to the Farmers Market I sampled a perfectly ripe peach, and a flood of memories came back. Suddenly, I had a craving for the “stewed” fruit my grandma used to make.

Read More »

Help Your Child Become a Lifelong Reader

By Donne Davis | August 10, 2010

Reading to different-aged children at the same time can be challenging and chaotic. Author Pam Allyn says that’s all part of the process of helping your family become closer.

Read More »

Do You Play Favorites With Your Grandchildren?

By Donne Davis | August 7, 2014

As grandmas, it’s important that we don’t favor one grandchild over another because it can have long-lasting effects on both the favored and the less favored child.

Read More »

Yosemite with the Grandkids—Camping or Comfort?

By Donne Davis | June 19, 2009

What’s the best way to enjoy Yosemite with grandchildren—camping or comfortable beds? After trying both, I prefer comfort.

Read More »

Celebrate National Grandparents Day with GaGa Sisterhood on 9/11

By Donne Davis | September 6, 2022

Celebrate National Grandparents Day on September 11 with GaGa Sisterhood’s speaker, Shirley Showalter, author of “The Mindful Grandparent.”

Read More »

Take Your Grandchildren to the New California Academy of Sciences

By Donne Davis | November 6, 2008

Visiting the new California Academy of Sciences with your grandchildren

Read More »

Being the “Other” Grandma Is No Fun

By Donne Davis | December 14, 2010

I’ve heard many grandmas say they sometimes feel a need to compete with the “other” grandma for the best presents or the coolest vacation or the best storyteller.

Read More »

Do You Lose Sleep Worrying About Your Grown Children?

By Donne Davis | September 26, 2017

According to a recent study, many older adults with grown children still feel the same stress now as they did when their children were young and it’s normal to feel that way.

Read More »

#1 Rule for Grandmas

By Donne Davis | February 8, 2022

The #1 rule for grandmas is don’t give unsolicited advice. We can quickly get into trouble once we cross into that place of “just wanting to help.” Our adult children don’t appreciate our advice and often feel defensive when they hear it.

Read More »

Louise Aronson Is Reprogramming Our Biases Against Old Age

By Donne Davis | September 23, 2019

Studies have shown that as we get older, we have greater life satisfaction, less anxiety and more happiness. Yet, we don’t tell that story or use that power to counteract negative stereotypes.

Read More »

Nominate a Grandparent of the Year

By Donne Davis | July 7, 2011

One GRANDparent and ten finalists will be honored by GRAND Magazine and REAL Powered by Humana in the 5th annual GRANDparent of the Year tribute to grandparents.

Read More »

You Can Choose Your Thoughts

By Donne Davis | May 18, 2020

During these challenging and uncertain times, it’s empowering to remember that we have control over our thoughts.

Read More »

My Personal Retreat at Stillheart Institute

By Donne Davis | June 9, 2011

It’s amazing what a one-day retreat can do for the soul. For my birthday, I booked a personal retreat at Stillheart Institute in Woodside, CA, near San Francisco.

Read More »

Crunch a Color Rewards Picky Eaters for Eating Healthy Foods

By Donne Davis | January 20, 2012

Do you have a picky eater in your family? Then you’re going to love Crunch A Color, a new card game that makes it fun to eat healthy foods. The game comes with tips for parents.

Read More »

Are You Denied Access to Your Grandchildren?

By Donne Davis | April 25, 2016

Sadly, many grandparents are denied access to their grandchildren. Author Pat Hanson calls these heartbroken grandparents “Invisible Grandparents” and offers help to them in her book.

Read More »

White Elephant Exchange Livens Holiday Party

By Donne Davis | December 10, 2012

I attended a white elephant gift exchange holiday party. White elephant gifts are tacky and sometimes strange. The idea is to to rid yourself of a tacky gift and invariably gain a new one!

Read More »

A Simple Suggestion to Reduce Waste on Earth Day

By Donne Davis | April 22, 2010

On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day I have a simple suggestion for reducing waste. Sign up for Catalog Choice, a free service that eliminates unwanted mail delivered to your home.

Read More »

New Line of Empathy Cards Says What You Can’t

By Donne Davis | May 19, 2015

Emily McDowell’s new line of empathy cards are funny, honest and many times poke fun at the platitudes people so often reach for when they are scared.

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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