According to section 3-22 in the Norwegian National Insurance Act all parents are entitled to ten days sick leave with pay when a child under ten years is ill. The cost is covered by the employer. In cases of chronic illness in children under 16 years of age the sick leave can be extended to 20 days per parent per year. This extended leave is paid for from the National Insurance Scheme. In cases of a life-threatening disease in children under 16 years of age an additional 260 days of sick leave, cumulated up the age of 16, can be obtained pursuant to section 3-23, paid for entirely from the National Insurance Scheme. In the case of children with mental disorders there is no age limit for this benefit, provided there still exists a parent-child relationship. These 260 days can also be used for "sick leave" for relevant educational courses for parents of children with chronic illnesses. The article discusses the regulations for the use of these benefits in practice.