It seems that XW has led him to believe that. How do I discuss this subject with an 8 year old?! How can he understand that my abscence from his daily life was against my wishes and that XW has done more, like moving away, to ensure that I'm not as present in his life?
Tell him exactly that. Children are intelligent, they understand more than we believe. And tell him you are and will always be his Dad and you would prefer to be called as such, not "Kevin," as this is not a sign of respect.
And yes, right now are thinking how do I do this without pissing off x?
Exactly the way she considers your feelings when she does stuff.
