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.

Strengthen Family Bonds with Stories

By Donne Davis | December 12, 2008

By sharing your stories you help your grandchildren learn who they are and what’s important to their family.

Read More »

Tips for Making Friends as You Age

By Donne Davis | December 4, 2019

Friendship and community are important for our health and happiness. As adults, we require connection with other humans to release certain hormones like oxytocin.

Read More »

Screen Time Advice from Experts

By Donne Davis | August 28, 2018

Parents and grandparents should help kids balance screen time and also play a role in sharing the joy of screens with our kids. Model the use of technology for creation, discovery, and connection.

Read More »

California Girls Launch American Girl Dolls Business

By Donne Davis | October 4, 2021

Twin sisters and a best friend launched an American Girl Doll business to help young girls develop problem-solving skills and self-confidence through creative play.

Read More »

More on Phoning Your Mother

By Donne Davis | April 4, 2009

Judging from Dr. Laura’s comment on my original post, it sounds like she must get a lot of complaints from men who feel envious of the bond that women have with their mothers. I agree with Dr. Laura that it’s not a good idea for wives to share marital intimacies and problems with their mothers. […]

Read More »

Are Your Children or Grandchildren More Tech-Addicted?

By Donne Davis | January 9, 2017

Most parents try their best to set rules and limits about the use of tech devices for their children but they also realize they’re not setting a very good example with their own use.

Read More »

8 Tips for Enjoying Multigenerational Vacations

By Donne Davis | April 10, 2014

Each year more than 5 million families vacation with 3 generations. Here are 8 tips for taking a vacation where everyone from toddlers to grandparents can have a good time.

Read More »

Sharing Grandchildren With the “Other” Grandparents

By Donne Davis | August 19, 2015

What kind of relationship do you have with the “other” grandparents? Is it a tug-of-war over the grandchildren or a unified team that appreciates each others’ strengths?

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 »

Bloggy Boot Camp: Mommy Bloggers Meet in San Francisco

By Donne Davis | August 24, 2010

Here’s my summary of Bloggy Boot Camp in San Francisco, a day-long conference, offered by SITS Girls, for mommy bloggers to learn more about search engine optimization, driving up page views and building a comment tribe.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood New Jersey Chapter Celebrates 5th Anniversary

By Donne Davis | August 9, 2021

The New Jersey chapter of the GaGa Sisterhood just celebrated its fifth anniversary. Learn how to start a GaGa Sisterhood chapter in your community.

Read More »

Tea for Flu: A Few Favorite Home Remedies

By Donne Davis | August 12, 2010

I’ve received three favorite home remedies for helping me get over my cold and cough: anti-flu tea, cough syrup made with Jello and lemon ginger tea.

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 »

Virtual Playdates to Connect with Your Grandchildren

By Donne Davis | July 18, 2022

Using play for building connections with grandchildren opens up a whole world of fun, curiosity, and learning for grandparents too.

Read More »

Are Grandparents Sacrificing Their Savings for Their Grandchildren?

By Donne Davis | June 6, 2011

If you’ve given your children and grandchildren financial support over the years, have you ever calculated exactly how much?

Read More »

7 Ways to Say Congratulations, You’re Going to be Grandparents

By Donne Davis | January 28, 2010

There are many ways to tell parents they are going to become grandparents. Here are seven examples of creative ways couples have made their announcements.

Read More »

How to Talk About Feelings with Young Grandchildren

By Donne Davis | November 23, 2020

It’s hard to teach young children about feelings because they’re so abstract. But children who understand their emotions and can express them are less likely to have temper tantrums or show aggression. A child who can say “That hurts my feelings” or I’m mad at you,” will be better equipped to resolve conflict peacefully instead of hitting or whining.

Read More »

#2 Rule for Grandmas

By Donne Davis | February 22, 2022

When you express interest in understanding your children’s parenting style, you’ll demonstrate that you trust and respect them. By building mutual trust and respect you are strenghtening the connection between the generations.

Read More »

GaGa Sisterhood Reaches 1,000 Facebook Likes

By Donne Davis | June 13, 2017

Hooray!! This week the GaGa Sisterhood achieved a new milestone — we reached over 1,000 Facebook page “likes!” We’re excited about our growing popularity and look forward to achieving the next 1,000 “likes.” Thank you, loyal readers, “likers,” and “sharers” for helping to spread the “gaga-spel.” We appreciate your comments, too. Stay tuned for more […]

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Three Ways to Be Happier at Home

By Donne Davis | January 28, 2014

Author Gretchen Rubin offers 3 ways to be happier at home: pay attention to your body, get control of your possessions and get to know yourself and what matters most.

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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