Baby care
Taking a stroller on the MTR: where is the lift?
Check the station lifts first. Allow time for a longer route.
Read the situationLIFE IN HONG KONG · LEARN TOGETHER
Everyday Situations for Helpers
When something is unfamiliar, take a moment and work through it step by step. Six illustrated pages explain everyday care, errands and communication.
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Baby care
Changing a nappy at the mall: ready yet?
Find a suitable changing area and check it is stable.
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Baby care
Nap time, but the cot is cluttered?
Remove pillows, toys and loose items first.
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Baby care
The doorbell rings during baby's bath?
Stay beside the baby. Never leave them alone in the bath.
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Children
After class, someone says they are collecting the child?
Do not hand over the child before verifying identity and permission.
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Older adults
The hallway is too dark for night-time toilet trips?
Turn on the light so the route is visible.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Which exit should I use at the MTR station?
First check the destination name and full address.
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Communication & privacy
Told to do it later: what time does that mean?
Later is not a fixed number of minutes; do not guess.
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Older adults
An older person wants a video call with family overseas?
Check the time zone and agree on a suitable time.
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Older adults
First time accompanying an older person to a centre activity?
Confirm the booking, location and start time.
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Older adults
Helping with clothes when a visitor wants to enter?
Protect privacy first and ask the visitor to wait outside.
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Older adults
The floor is wet and an older person wants to cross?
Warn that the floor is wet and ask them to pause.
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Older adults
Clinic visit: documents scattered across bags?
Use the appointment notice to check where, when and what to bring.
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Older adults
At a clinic, the older person cannot hear the number?
Check the waiting area and your ticket number.
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Children
The child uses a school Cantonese term you don't know?
Ask the child to speak slowly; do not pretend to understand.
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Children
Caught in rain on the school run: wet clothes?
Stop somewhere safe and covered; check what is wet.
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Children
At the mall, the child suddenly needs the toilet?
Find a suitable toilet together; do not send the child alone.
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Children
Playtime is over, but the child won't leave?
Give advance notice before it is time to leave.
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Children
Homework is hard: should you write the answer?
Ask which question or step is unclear.
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Children
School says 'casual dress day': what to wear?
Check the date, activity and clothing requirements.
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Communication & privacy
Asked to send baby photos to a group chat?
Check parental consent and who may receive the photos.
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Baby care
A visitor wants to hold the baby right away?
Check the parents' visitor and baby-holding arrangements.
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Baby care
Taking over baby care: when was the last feed?
Ask when the last feed was and how much was taken.
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Baby care
Baby's MCHC visit: what to pack?
Check the centre, date and registration time.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Should I remove my shoes at someone's home?
Pause at the door and check the host's arrangement.
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Getting around Hong Kong
What does sharing a table at a diner mean?
It means using the same table as other diners.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Must loose vegetables be weighed before checkout?
Read the signs by the shelf and scale.
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Children
Library books are nearly due: what next?
Check the due date of each book.
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Housework & cooking
How should I clean around household offerings?
First check which items have a special purpose.
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Housework & cooking
Can I throw away red envelopes while tidying?
Set them aside; do not open or discard them yourself.
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Children
Forgot the school pickup card?
Tell the teacher; let the child stay with school staff.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Hot outside, but cold inside the mall?
Check whether you or your companion feels cold.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Go grocery shopping during Typhoon Signal No. 8?
Stay safely indoors and pause non-essential trips.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Lift buttons say G and LG: where is the exit?
Read the floor directory; do not guess from numbers.
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Housework & cooking
Where and when should household rubbish go?
Check the estate's collection place and time.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Asked to register at another housing estate?
Confirm the block, floor and flat number.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Not sure where the queue ends?
Look for floor markings and queue signs.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Worried about ordering takeaway incorrectly?
Note the meal, quantity and drink preferences.
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Getting around Hong Kong
A catty at the market is not a kilogram?
Check whether the price is per catty, kilogram or portion.
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Getting around Hong Kong
First minibus ride: how do I request a stop?
Check the route and stop before boarding. Once seated, fasten your seat belt.
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Getting around Hong Kong
No confirmation after tapping Octopus?
Check the screen before using another payment method.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Same bus number, but the wrong direction?
Check both the route number and destination.
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Older adults
An older adult says the window is too bright?
Ask where the glare is and how she wants it adjusted.
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Communication & privacy
A parcel has a name you do not recognise?
Check the address and recipient. Do not open it.
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Housework & cooking
Dinner time suddenly moves earlier?
Confirm the new time and how many will eat.
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Housework & cooking
The requested vegetable is sold out?
Check the name and amount first. Do not substitute yet.
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Housework & cooking
Fragile decoration on the table before cleaning?
Check stability. Stop if too high, heavy or hard to hold.
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Housework & cooking
One part of a hung shirt is still damp?
Check cuffs and hems to find the damp part.
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Housework & cooking
A button is loose before washing?
Pause. Check whether the button is still attached.
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Older adults
Older person wants to choose her own jacket?
First ask which one she wants to wear.
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Children
Can't find the child's water bottle before leaving?
Check the time, then think of its usual place.
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Getting around Hong Kong
Change at the market seems wrong?
Pause. Check the price and amount paid.
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Communication & privacy
Unsure whether papers should be thrown away?
Keep them if unsure. Do not put them in the bin.
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Children
Child wants someone else's toy?
Check: Whose toy is it? Is someone using it?
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Housework & cooking
Recipe quantities unclear?
First confirm how many people you are cooking for.
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Housework & cooking
Rain starts while drying clothes?
Stay safe. Do not climb or lean out of windows.
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Older adults
How to talk to an older person watching TV?
Let them see you, then ask: Is now a good time to talk?
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Communication & privacy
Found money in a pocket before washing?
Take the money out and set this item aside.
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Children
Child doesn't want to tidy up toys?
Ask: Do you want to keep playing, or need help tidying?
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Housework & cooking
Can't find the requested rubbish bags?
Check the size and quantity on the list.
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