Page 10 - MidWeek Windward - Dec 21, 2022

10 DECEMBER 21, 2022
AWindward Pediatric Physical Therapist Devoted To Keiki Development Process
pediatric physical therapist and Wind- ward O‘ahu resi-
dent, Dr. Suma Metla has an array of suggestions to im- prove the lives of keiki this holiday season.
Metla, who lives in the Enchanted Lake neighbor- hood of Kailua, is the found- er of Three Little Ducks, an O‘ahu-based child develop- ment and parenting resource program. Metla, who earned her license to practice in New Zealand, also holds an infant massage coaching certifica- tion and is a registered yoga instructor. In addition, she is an advocate for the special needs community and has served as a board member for Special Olympics.
Her program, Three Lit- tle Ducks, provides services like toy recommendations for children under 18 months old, infant massage, spe- cialized child development classes, physical therapy and others. These techniques are focused on assisting parents with supporting their child’s development through play.
(Left, above and below) Dr. Suma Metla, a resident of Enchanted Lake, is the founder of Three Little Ducks, a child development and parenting resource program. She is also launching development and play skills classes called Little Duck and Me, which will be held in Kailua and Honolulu in January.
PHOTOS COURTESY THREE LITTLE DUCKS
The program’s website of- fers a gift guide with links to toys that Metla feels can help increase specific motor skills for infants and their individ- ual levels. For example, she recommends toys such as the Hide N Seek Play Tunnel, which builds muscle devel- opment and provides senso- ry-play opportunities.
“From the time babies are born, they are growing and learning how to move. This supports foundational skills for fine motor development, speech and language devel- opment, feeding skills and socialization skills,” Metla states. “With the abundance of information online and on social media, it is often diffi- cult for parents to sift through and understand the best ways to support an infant. This is where the expertise of our Three Little Ducks team comes in.”
baby class is designed for infants from 3 months old to those taking their first steps. Metla states that pediatric ex- perts lead the class, which is designed to help babies learn play, communication and so- cial skills.
Meanwhile, Metla has per- sonally worked with children throughout Hawai‘i and also recently launched classes called Little Duck and Me, which will be held in Kailua and Honolulu in January.
Classes will be offered in six Saturday sessions starting at 10:30 on Jan. 21 at Kai- lua Dance Academy and at 1 p.m. at Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Honolulu. A drop- in class costs $35, and the six-week series is $170.
During the sessions, in- fants are placed in age groups to target their development and play skills. Parents and caregivers also learn ways to help their keiki progress.
The Little Duck and Me
For more information, visit threelittleduckshawaii.com.