F of 3: As one who has moved out of a house, leaving an 8 year old behind, don't make the ABSOLUTELY stupidest mistake that I made. Don't tell your boy that he is "the man of the house, now." Why did I do this? I don't know...it was the first cliche that popped into my head, maybe. Or maybe it was because I knew them my ex was a narcissistic sicko who needed someone to tend to her needs. Either way, it led to some unhealthy emotional relationship issues between son and ex-wife, as he became her confidante.
We're past most of those issues now that he is 15. Just tell your son that you'll continue to see him, talk to him, be there for him (on the phone if not in person), and that his job is to continue being a kid. And make sure to assure him that the separation is NOT HIS FAULT.
