They say it takes a village to raise a child. But what if you don’t have a built-in support system? The answer is what Suma Metla, DPT, founder of Three Little Ducks, a pediatric physical therapy practice based on Oahu, had in mind when she began coordinating community events, such as free ohana yoga, throughout the island. Learn why creating community is so important, how yoga benefits the mind and body for keiki and caregivers, and ways to get involved.
Swing by the mall for yoga.
Life beyond therapy
While Three Little Ducks provides pediatric physical therapy and child development classes, Metla knew she could help parents, too. “We believe in weaving together community, education, and intervention. Families thrive when surrounded by a supportive network they can lean on and learn from,” she says. “By nurturing parents through community connections, we’re simultaneously supporting keiki to develop and flourish. Our family events create spaces where relationships form naturally, expertise is shared, and parents realize they're not navigating childhood challenges alone.”
That’s why they offer a variety of events for different interests and schedules. Earlier in March, the company celebrated Three Little Ducks’ third birthday. “Just as we honor each keiki’s developmental milestones, we wanted to commemorate our own growth journey. In these three years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting hundreds of families through our practice, classes, and community events,” Metla says. “Our birthday celebration created a joyful space where our entire community connected, celebrated together, and simply had fun – embodying the spirit that makes Three Little Ducks special.”
Ongoing events include family walks, where families meet up at a designated park or playground to get some sun, exercise, and socialization. “The walks started out small with Three Little Ducks organizing them,” Metla says. “But eventually, the moms and dads connected and took ownership of the walks. Now, they take turns coordinating them on their own. It’s truly amazing that they’ve made these life-long connections for themselves and their keiki.”
Enjoy good company and fresh air at a family walk.
As a mom herself, Metla knows that sometimes parents need a break! That’s why they host events like Mom’s Night Out. “We offer mothers an opportunity to reclaim time for themselves while connecting with others navigating the same stage of parenthood. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of new parenthood and let go of making time for yourself,” Metla says. “We also host Dad’s Night Out events, too! We recognize that all parents need community and occasional breaks, regardless of their parenting role.”
Unwinding at a Mom’s Night Out
Strengthen your core
When thinking of engaging yet useful events Metla could offer the community, yoga came to mind. Since she was a child, yoga had been woven into her family’s daily routine. “My earliest memories include my mom and brother teaching me the fundamental importance of breath awareness and showing me how breathing connects our body and mind,” she says. “These early experiences helped me understand yoga not just as exercise but as a powerful tool for well-being that can be shared across generations. Now, as an instructor, I’m grateful to pass on these valuable lessons that were gifted to me through my family, helping other families create their own meaningful yoga journeys together.”
Yoga for all ages.
The physical benefits of yoga are well-documented for adults and is known to improve heart health and offer pain relief. But what about keiki? “Through yoga, children discover the joy of movement while developing strength, balance, and coordination in a playful, noncompetitive environment,” Metla says. “And when families practice together, parents model healthy lifestyle choices and create precious bonding moments that strengthen family connections.”
Yoga has mental health benefits, too. “Beyond the physical benefits, yoga teaches children valuable tools for emotional regulation and stress management through breathing exercises and mindfulness practices,” Metla says. “These skills boost children’s confidence, help them better understand their emotions, and provide them with calming techniques they can use both on and off the mat.”
Creating community
According to an advisory released by the U.S. Surgeon General regarding the mental health and well-being of parents, forming connections with peers, mentors, and other community members can lead to increased support, education, and social well-being. “Our free yoga classes held at shopping centers across Oahu break down traditional barriers, making yoga accessible to everyone,” says Metla. “By holding classes in familiar public spaces where people already gather, we create a welcoming environment that brings together diverse groups of neighbors who might not otherwise meet on their yoga mats.”
The shared experience of learning and practicing yoga together can help foster connections. “Participants support and encourage each other while building strength and finding peace,” Metla says. “Our inclusive approach means that grandparents, parents, and keiki can all participate together, strengthening both family bonds and broader community ties in the process.”
For Lily Garimella, Three Little Ducks yoga instructor and parent, leading ohana yoga classes is a way to share her culture and destigmatize yoga. “I grew up in a South Indian family, and I love meeting the families that come to my classes,” she says. “It may seem intimidating, but we’re working to remove the stigma around yoga and teach what it really is: connection to yourself, the aina, and others. You don’t need to be physically fit or flexible. It’s more than just handstands and meditation. Yoga is for everyone!”
All ages and abilities welcome!
Parent and HMSA Director of Community Health and Equity Camille Rockett appreciates Three Little Ducks’ approach to giving back to the community. “This is a unique, place-based way for parents with young children to access yoga and all its benefits. I’ve seen families have so much fun together in these ohana yoga sessions, and improved family well-being is simply an extra benefit,” she says. “We applaud innovative programs like ohana yoga because engaging the entire family in spaces where they live, work, and play makes a bigger impact on health and well-being. Healthy families make healthier communities, and that makes a healthier Hawaii.”
Join in the fun
Classes are designed for parents/caregivers and their children (3 to 10 years old), but all ages are welcome. The classes are hosted by a registered yoga teacher and run for 45 minutes. For more information, locations, dates, and times, visit the Three Little Ducks website.
With HMSA365 Discounts, you can save 5% on baby class 6-week programs at Three Little Ducks just for being an HMSA member! Visit the website for more information.
Three Little Ducks is an HMSA participating provider and offers child physical therapy services. Read about child physical development in the spring 2025 issue of Island Scene.
Find your center
Need more yoga in your life? Check out these articles:
- 10-minute yoga
- airport yoga: well-being on the go
- floating through sup yoga
- how to start an at-home yoga practice
- journey to wellness: yoga versus pilates
- national yoga month’s beginner workout
- sharing the power of yoga
- taking a yoga break
- yoga for a healthy pregnancy
- yoga for anxiety and depression
Photos courtesy Three Little Ducks
