Confused about DD mentioning exh all the time

[Daffyrox]

Hi,
I’ve been divorced from exh for 5 years, with my dp for 18 months and over the last 12 months have been slowly introducing dp to my 2dc (dd9 and ds16). In the last 6 months we’ve been doing it so that his 2 dc spend time with my 2 dc, we’ve done park trips, activities, a short break, a weeks holiday etc and all went very well as everyone gets on, tbh I’ve been really surprised. We don’t live together and are taking things very slowly as there are 4 dc involved although they all ask to see each other we’re both conscious of change.
Anyway, dd has suddenly started to mention exh and his family regularly when with me, things like dad takes me here, this is from aunty xx, dad is buying me this etc. these are all things I know, dd is aware I know about these things and it seems more like she’s trying to bring exh and his family into every conversation, this happens if dp is there or not.
We have a reasonable co parenting relationship and that hasn’t changed, we have a fixed routine of 5/50. I acknowledge what dd says when she says it and so does my dp.
Has anyone experienced similar and have any idea as to why it’s suddenly started in the last few weeks?

I used to do that. I remember feeling guilty that I liked my mums new partner so I used to talk about my dad all the time. Little minds work strangely sometimes. She might just be trying to remind you that she loves her dad and doesn’t want him to feel bad that she likes your dp. If that makes sense??

Agree with @paulhollywoodshairgel. It’s a public declaration of her loyalty to her dad. For herself and/or for you all to hear and know. And to being him into the moment because it feels weird to not be sharing a big part of your life with the other parent.

Bless her little heart. Even if it’s amicable it can be confusing and stressful.

I was her once too. The guilt of having fun or a nice time with the other parent, and without the other one, is quite an emotional juggle.

I think what would’ve helped me is parent who’s not they’re telling it was ok and allowed to feel happy when I want with them.

Eg her dad telling her it’s ok to have fun when she’s with your new DP, that it doesn’t mean she’s being disloyal and that he wants her to enjoy herself and that she doesn’t have to feel guilty.

God sorry for the typos and autocorrect generating horrible grammar

She's 9 and that's her dad. I think it's completely normal.