This study examines the leave-taking habits of full-time-employed parents of children with special health care needs in Chicago and Los Angeles. The study concludes that while many of the parents miss work because of their child’s health, a significant number either return to work early or do not always take time off when their children need their attention. Parents who had additional leave benefits from their employer or qualified for and were aware of the benefits under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act tended to take more time to adequately care for their sick children.