Norwegian entertainer Stian «Staysman» Thorbjørnsen and his ex-wife Tina Svestad take vacations together to create good memories for their 12-year-old son, Lennox, while official data from SSB indicates that one in three parents experienced conflict with the other parent.
Joint Vacations After Divorce for Staysman and Tina Svestad
Stian «Staysman» Thorbjørnsen and his ex-wife Tina Svestad have established a routine of vacationing together following their divorce. Svestad notes that maintaining regular holiday trips helps preserve normalcy for their son, Lennox, who is now 12 years old. According to Svestad, the family has traveled to Miami, taken a Disney cruise in the Caribbean, completed a European road trip, and planned a trip to Marbella.
Svestad usually handles the travel planning for herself and her son, and Thorbjørnsen joins when schedules align by transferring his share of the expenses. Thorbjørnsen described the arrangement as one of the most adult and decent things he has accomplished, emphasizing that they remain a family despite not being romantic partners.
Blended Family Travel Experiences From Influencer Annette Haga Olsson
Influencer Annette Haga Olsson has also traveled with her ex-husband Emil Løvstad, their children, and her new husband, Jon Olsson, along with his children and parents. Olsson and Løvstad separated six years ago when their sons were very young. Olsson states that their friendship developed gradually through consistent daily contact rather than a forced effort for the children.
Løvstad remarked that traveling together provides more time with the children and demonstrates cooperative parenting without conflict. Olsson’s current husband, Jon, and her ex-husband, Emil, also get along well, attending soccer cups and training sessions together.
Statistics on Child Custody and Parental Conflict From Bufdir and SSB
Official figures from Bufdir (Barne-, ungdoms- og familiedirektoratet) show that approximately 15,000 children experienced parental divorce or breakups in 2024. Data from Statistics Norway (SSB) indicates that one in three parents experienced conflict with their former partner to some degree regarding residence and visitation. Specifically, 33% of fathers and 35% of mothers reported conflict, with 17% of fathers and 16% of mothers experiencing conflict to a large degree.
Research cited by Bufdir suggests that high parental conflict is a primary risk factor for children developing behavioral, academic, or mental health issues following a separation. However, studies also indicate that children can experience improved well-being when high-conflict marriages end.
Expert Warnings on the Risks of Vacationing With an Ex-Partner
Elfrid Krossbakken, a psychologist at the Institute for Psychological Counseling (Institutt for Psykologisk Rådgivning), cautions that joint vacations are not suitable for every family. She states that if underlying tensions persist or parents cannot interact positively, traveling together may be counterproductive. Krossbakken advises parents to evaluate their actual relational dynamic rather than an idealized version of it.
Kate Elin Søyland, a family therapist at Åpen Dialog in Stavanger, points out that joint holidays can sometimes create confusion rather than stability, particularly shortly after a breakup when new family structures are still forming. Søyland notes that children may experience awkwardness or harbor false hopes of reconciliation, while new partners may struggle with jealousy. She recommends that parents establish clear expectations regarding finances and relief, and maintain a backup plan if tensions arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Divorce Family Travel
Is it common for divorced parents to vacation together?
While some public figures like Stian Thorbjørnsen and Annette Haga Olsson share positive experiences of traveling with ex-partners, family therapists note it is most common in the immediate aftermath of a separation when parents are still adjusting to new arrangements.
What do experts recommend before planning a trip with an ex-spouse?
Therapists such as Kate Elin Søyland advise parents to honestly assess their current conflict level, establish clear expectations regarding finances and downtime, and have a backup plan in case interpersonal friction disrupts the trip.
How does parental conflict affect children after a separation?
According to Bufdir, ongoing conflict between separated parents is a leading contributor to emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges for children, though separation can also provide relief in high-conflict households.
Keep reading