i've read from somewhere that in many cases of separation, many
mums tends to confide in their child (esp the eldest one) all their
emotional pains, anger, etc.. as though the child is her best
friend. However, to the child, no matter how matured he/she may be,
it's considered a form of mental abuse. Cos the child is simply not
old enough to understand the issues.
Eventually, it will leave mental and emotional scars later on in
his life. When he grows up, it might affect his outlook on r/s or
even his life. So, for the sake of the kid, you have to stop it,
even the petting.
Sometimes strong feelings are a sign of other emotional problems.
For eg, I eat LOTS OF chocolates when I'm stress 
.. Eating more chocolates wun solve the problem. I
have to find better ways to manage the stress. For you, Maybe your
sexual feeling are signs of longing for companionship and
loneliness?
All of us have sexual desires, but it doesn't mean we have to
succumb to it.. It's a state of mind. It's like a craving for
chocolates 
-> If you let yourself dwell on the
thought and imagine eating different types of chocolates, the
craving becomes worse. But if you put your mind to do something
else, without realising, the craving is gone.
You can divert your attention by hanging out with friends, and
encouraging him to hang out with ppl of his age. Avoid situations
where temptations may occur. But if it is getting to the extent
that it becomes compulsive (you can't stop thinking about it, no
matter how hard you try), then i would suggest that you seek a
counsellor. (MY 2 cents worth. )
