Fairness plays a pivotal role in moral development, and need-based
allocation, as a form of equitable resource distribution, entails
allocating resources to individuals with greater need. Children’s
need-based behavior is influenced by a variety of factors, including
situational, personal, and social aspects. Currently, the motivational
explanations for children’s need-based allocation are not fully
understood. Here, we present an explanatory model for comprehending
children’s motivation to allocate based on needs. We propose that
children’s motivation to engage in need-based behavior is a dynamic
process that unfolds in three stages: the balancing tendency stage (4-5
years old), the balancing-altruistic dual-motivation stage (6-7 years
old), and the altruistic tendency stage (8 years old and above). In
conclusion, we offer a perspective on future research directions aimed
at gaining a deeper understanding of the developmental process
underlying children’s fair decision-making.