Don't make your child into your confidant. It's difficult to bottle up the hurt and rejection you may feel against your partner but don't burden your son with it.

Find another shoulder to cry on. You're the adult here. He's got enough to deal with and needs your support.

Don't undermine your ex
Avoid expressing your anger against your partner in front of your son, even if you're 'the wronged party'. Don't try to turn him against his other parent. Some pre-teens become over-protective and try to build an alliance against the erring parent. Gently discourage this. Let him know it's OK to love you both and be clear you don't want him to take sides. Boys often feel pressured to be 'the man about the house' if their father leaves home. Avoid depending on your son - he's too young for such responsibilities.

Set a good example for managing conflict
Handled well, divorce can be a lesson in managing the changes life brings. Pre-teens whose parents have divorced on reasonable terms can learn to approach difficulties with courage and optimism. This difficult time may benefit your son long-term, teaching him to see problems as challenges which - although hurtful or unsettling - can ultimately be resolved.