It's difficult to bottle up the hurt and rejection you may feel, but find another shoulder to cry on, not your child's.

You're the adult, so don't burden your children with your own pain.

They will have their own feelings to deal with and need support and reassurance from you... not vice versa.

Don't undermine your ex
Avoid venting your anger to your children or in their presence, even if you're 'the wronged party'. Don't try to turn them against the other parent. They need and love you both, and want to know you'll both still be there for them.

Let your children know you don't want them to take sides. Remember that they need to hear, over and over again, that they still have both a Mum and a Dad who will always love and take care of them.

Hard - but important - lessons
Set a good example of managing conflict. Divorce handled well can be a lesson in how to manage the changes life brings, particularly for older primary school age children. Children whose parents have divorced on good terms can learn to approach difficulties with courage and optimism.

• Is A 7 Yr-Old Too Young To Understand Divorce?
• Parenting Skills: More Advice On Talking Problems Through
• Support Organisations: Divorce & Separation
• Support Organisations: Single Parents