2-year old DS constantly asks if he's a good boy

[HertsNE]

Curious if other MNetters have experienced this? Our two and almost half year old regularly asks throughout the day if he's a good boy; I've not counted but 20 times isn't an exaggeration. We shower him with love and affection to reassure him. Of course, when he's playing up we tell him but conscious that we're to avoid using the phrase "you're naughty" and instead will say "your behaviour is silly". He's been seeking a lot of reassurance especially the last 2 months.

We also have an 11-month old DS but DS1 adores him. My pregnancy with DS1 became more difficult in my last trimester as my DF suddenly passed away. I wonder if the shock of that impacted my DS1 or if this is quite common of toddlers?

Anybody else gone through anything similar with their DC?

I would be inclined to return his question with "Do you think you're a good boy darling?"

That way he has to think about his own perception of himself. Might be a bit complex for him at 2 but worth a try.

Thanks very much! I have already tested this today as you have suggested and he says "yeah" as in yes he's a good boy. Perhaps it's just a phase. Thank you!

When my dd starts asking repetitive questions I answer the first time or three and after that I say "we've already talked about that a lot today that's enough now". It's probably just a bit of echolalia which is common in children learning to talk.

He might be fishing for a compliment? I found this common when one of my kids had my attention/was getting praise and the other felt a little insecure. I would reassure him with a big fat yes. Or "I already said that you're very good" and make it a little joke.