Skills

Compass, sun shadows, the STOP rule, the whistle of three, knot tying, reading clouds, crossing the road, who to ask for help, the three emergency numbers, and trusting your tummy.

Cuts, scrapes, bumps, nosebleeds, burns, choking, stings. What to do and when to call a grown-up.

Stop-drop-roll, getting low under smoke, the meeting place rule, doors and matches — why we don't play with fire.

Pool, sea, river, bath — different rules for each. Rip currents. The "reach, throw, don't go" rule. Star floating.

Locked doors, the doorbell, the phone, the kitchen, three calls if something goes wrong. (For when I'm a bit older.)

Stop, look, listen. Traffic lights. Crossing in Saigon. Helmets and seatbelts. Walking and watching.

The "internet is forever" rule. Strangers online. Things you didn't ask for. Passwords. When to tell a grown-up.

Hello and goodbye. The dinner table — fine dining and the Vietnamese mâm cơm. Listening with your eyes. Being a good guest. The small kindnesses.