stav

You are obviously a caring man, with the welfare of your kids your priority.

To help your kids get back to being just kids and not 'mates' just keep trying to do all the kid things with them, watching ball games, going to movies, basketball in the yard etc.

Break ups are always hardest on the kids, especially when they are just old enough to understand what is happening, but not WHY. Watch out for them maybe coming to believe that it is somehow their fault you are breaking up. Make the reasons clear.

Keeping civil with your (undeserving) W will at least spare them the heartbreak of seeing you both fighting and saying hurtful things.