Recently broke things off with my bf of 2.5 yrs. For the past year his 8 year old daughter has been spending almost every other weekend with us at my house including some days with just me when he worked evenings. I've developed a nice relationship with her mother and a very close relationship with the kid.

I broke things off on Wednesday with my ex (no cheating etc, just our goals for the relationship aren't lining up) and she was supposed to spend this weekend here and very much enjoys coming to the point she always ask throughout the week about staying. Obviously she didn't come this weekend, but her mother called me Friday so the daughter could talk to me a bit as she was very upset about not being able to come. It broke my heart as she was crying and saying she didn't understand why "Daddy and you need to take a break" (his explanation to her).

Her mother remarked on how special I am to both of them and wants to maintain the relationship despite the ending of mine with my ex.

I'm so conflicted as to what to do! On one hand I think it continues a connection with my ex that I'm not wanting to maintain if reconciliation is not possible. On the other hand, I wondered if arranging to do activities together from time to time wouldn't be a bad idea but I also don't want to drag things out for the kid.

Anyone been in a similar situation? What was the best direction in this case?