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.

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 »

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 »

Aunt Mary’s Rose

By Donne Davis | September 7, 2010

A moving and sweet story for children ages 4 – 8 that touches on some sensitive themes: the Great Depression, the loss of a family war hero, care taking, and endurance. But they’re lightened by Aunt Mary’s gentle storytelling and the promise of her apple pie.

Read More »

4 Fun Books for 4 – 8 Year Olds

By Donne Davis | January 27, 2011

What’s more fun than reading a book to a child when you both love the book. On my last visit to my granddaughters I hit the jackpot with these four winners for 4-8 year olds.

Read More »

Finding Hope & Staying Sane During the Pandemic [Part 1]

By Donne Davis | June 16, 2020

Psychotherapist Karen Gould, LMFT, explains why we’re feeling so anxious during the pandemic and provides some tools for reducing our anxiety.

Read More »

Do You Provide Care for Your Grandchild?

By Donne Davis | February 13, 2015

The University of Georgia is recruiting grandparents and their employed, adult children for a paid research study examining the effects of grandchild care on health, well-being, and career outcomes.

Read More »

Boomers, Find Your Inner Artist

By Donne Davis | May 21, 2013

If you’ve dreamed of playing an instrument or becoming a writer or artist, there’s a higher likelihood of it happening in your sixties than any other time in your life, according to Francine Toder.

Read More »

Celebrating the Life of a GaGa Sister

By Donne Davis | August 29, 2017

My devoted GaGa Sister, Janada Clark, passed away on April 26, 2017, at the age of 68 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Janada was a parent educator, author, and beloved grandma.

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 »

6 Skills to Strengthen in 2021

By Donne Davis | January 4, 2021

When we’re conscious of our thoughts and actions, we’re able to make sounder decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively. These six skills will help us to be our best grandma selves as we face new challenges.

Read More »

Connecting with Grandchildren on Skype

By Donne Davis | March 12, 2010

We placed our first Skype call with our granddaughters yesterday. I was as excited as Alexander Graham Bell when he asked Mr. Watson to “come here.” Skype is a software program that allows you to use your computer to make free voice and video calls over the internet. It’s easy to understand and only takes a few minutes to download. Then you can call other Skype users anywhere in the world for free.

Read More »

3-Generation Vacation in Puerto Vallarta

By Donne Davis | June 2, 2011

Multi-generation vacations can be tricky but this one exceeded my expectations. My husband, daughter, son-in-law, two granddaughters and I spent a week in Puerto Vallarta.

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 »

Nurturing the Mother-Daughter Relationship: A Yoga and Communication Retreat

By Donne Davis | May 5, 2011

My daughter and I are sharing what we’ve learned about communication in a daylong retreat on Saturday, June 11 at the Stillheart Institute in Woodside, California.

Read More »

Should Grandparents Limit Tech Time?

By Donne Davis | March 11, 2015

When grandchildren visited their grandparents, the grandparents were frustrated that the children didn’t want to engage with them and wanted to play games on their iPads.

Read More »

Family Passes Down Antique Dollhouse for 138 Years

By Donne Davis | November 7, 2012

Martha Cullimore has continued her family’s tradition of passing down an antique dollhouse to the first-born daughter on her fifth birthday, a tradition preserved for 138 years.

Read More »

Grace, Under Pressure Gives Voice to Autistic Daughter

By Donne Davis | August 26, 2013

Sophie Walker helped her daughter find self-esteem by embracing her autism and helped herself overcome depression by training to run a marathon.

Read More »

The Bonfire of Aging—Seven Grandparent Resources to Warm Your Heart

By Donne Davis | June 27, 2022

Here are seven online resources to help you navigate your role as a grandparent.

Read More »

Grandpas Are Stepping Up to the Plate

By Donne Davis | July 10, 2016

Since women entered the workforce in legion numbers bringing income into their families, many of their men have taken on some of the responsibilities they were no longer able to carry.

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 »

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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