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The idea of children acting in their own interest to gain rewards aligns specifically with the instrumental-relativist stage of Kohlberg's moral development theory. This stage, often seen in young children, is characterized by a sense of fairness where individuals recognize that their own needs can be met through reciprocal exchanges with others. Here, moral reasoning is based on the idea that actions are right if they serve one’s own interests and may involve negotiation or bargaining with others to attain specific benefits.

In this stage, children understand that they can achieve tangible rewards through their actions, which is crucial for their development. Their decision-making is often influenced by the expected benefits, and they begin to realize that others also have their own interests that need to be considered for mutual gain.

The other stages do not reflect this self-interested perspective as clearly. They involve either an obedience to authority, a desire for social approval, or adherence to societal laws. These focus more on conformity, duty, or societal structure rather than personal gain or mutual benefits in transactions.