Our sense of self-esteem grows when we are allowed to contribute to and assume responsibility in society, because we all want to feel a sense of belonging. The same is true of children. Many like to help out by cooking, doing little chores or looking after their younger siblings for a while. If a task is age-appropriate and challenging but not overtaxing, and if children sense they are helping others, they feel needed.

These psychological findings were illustrated in an attractive retro style on the Pro Juventute special stamps. On the 85+40-centime stamp, a young boy is helping his little sister to put her shoes on. On the 100+50-centime stamp, the same girl is carrying her grandmother’s shopping basket. The fact that young people grow and develop when they can lend others a helping hand is especially true of teenagers. They don’t just want to be looked after, but to accomplish things themselves!