Welcome to GaGa Sisterhood

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When Being A Grandma Isn't So Grand

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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 GaGa 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 long 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. Excerpts from some random posts published during the past 20 years appear below. 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.

The Benefits of Expressing Gratitude

By Donne Davis | December 19, 2016

People who acknowledge the goodness in their lives are generally healthier, happier, have stronger immune systems, and enjoy higher levels of the happy hormone dopamine.

Read More »

Grandparents Should Speak Up on Safety Issues

By Donne Davis | December 7, 2009

Grandparents shouldn’t give unsolicited advice to parents unless it concerns safety. What’s the best way to say it without being critical or judgmental?

Read More »

5 Ways to Get Your Kids Exercising

By Donne Davis | July 6, 2010

Whether you are a mom, a grandma, or a caretaker, here’s something to consider: the exercise habits that kids form when they are young will likely be the ones they’ll carry with them into adulthood.

Read More »

Summer Solstice: How Are You Spending the Longest Day of the Year?

By Donne Davis | June 21, 2010

Today, June 21, 2010, is the Summer Solstice, and the longest day of the year. I’m practicing mindfulness and uni-tasking. How will you spend your extra hours of daylight?

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Simple Science Experiment For Children

By Donne Davis | March 1, 2011

Experience the thrill of discovery with your grandchildren. Using simple household items, you can explore science and share your excitement with your grandchildren.

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The Power of Praise

By Donne Davis | April 16, 2013

Today’s parents are warned that excessive praise will make children praise dependent. But it’s important for grandparents to compliment our adult children on their parenting.

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Learning to Live in the Moment: Why Not Do It Now?

By Donne Davis | November 3, 2011

Karl Pillemer interviewed older adults for the Legacy Project. The elders said to learn how to live in the moment rather than focusing only on our plans and ambitions.

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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.

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Clash of the Grandmas Thanksgiving 2016 on Food Network

By Donne Davis | November 21, 2016

Four grandmas entered the 2016 Thanksgiving Clash of the Grandmas on the Food Network but only one grandma won the $10,000 prize and emerged as the champion.

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Grandma Celebrates 65th Birthday by Giving to Others

By Donne Davis | May 31, 2011

Frances admits that as her 65th birthday approached, a big party was not her style. Yet she wanted to reach out and share her gratitude for arriving at this milestone.

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Chopped Casting Call for Grandmas

By Donne Davis | March 15, 2016

The Food Network’s popular show “Chopped” is looking for grandmas to compete on a special Grandmas episode of “Chopped” with the chance to win $10,000.

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Is Silence Golden in the Golden Years?

By Donne Davis | February 17, 2015

If you run out of things to talk about with your spouse, here are some questions to ponder that reveal vulnerabilities and deepen the bonds of love.

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Difficult Daughter-in-Law: What’s Her Problem?

By Donne Davis | March 26, 2018

The roots of the difficult daughter-in-law’s behavior may go back to her family of birth. She might have seen her mother be disrespectful or unloving toward her mother-in-law.

Read More »

A New Thanksgiving Tradition for Your Grandchildren

By Donne Davis | November 11, 2008

I’ve been hosting Thanksgiving for over three decades and I’m always looking for new traditions to share with my family. A few years ago I came up with one that’s fun for all generations.

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Grandmas Need a Sisterhood

By Donne Davis | August 15, 2016

Just like moms need to get together and talk, grandmas also need to talk to each other about the joys and challenges we face in our multi-generation relationships. Join the GaGa Sisterhood.

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Start an Organizing Project With Your Grandchild

By Donne Davis | February 22, 2011

An organizing project can be a fun way to teach grandchildren valuable skills, including sorting, keeping like-with-like and one-in/one-out. Here are some suggestions.

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5 Secrets for a Long Lasting Marriage

By Donne Davis | June 26, 2017

Last week my husband and I celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary. We sat down and wrote out 5 secrets for a long-lasting marriage from an old married couple.

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Should Grandma Suggest Parenting Classes?

By Donne Davis | January 31, 2018

I’m a big fan of Amy Dickinson’s advice column “Ask Amy.” My favorite letters involve challenges in the grandparent relationship. In this letter a grandma faces a common dilemma: how to offer parenting advice without offending her grandchildren’s parents. Since she’s a retired educator, her observations seem justified. But does that give her permission to […]

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What Daughters-in-law Wish They Could Tell Their Mothers-in-law

By Donne Davis | April 24, 2017

Many women describe their in-law relationship as fragile, tense, and competitive. Here’s what daughters-in-law wish they could tell their mothers-in-law to improve the relationship.

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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 »

Testimonials

“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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