Mental illness is a global problem, affecting up to one in ten people some time during their lives. In Sweden about two percent of all children aged 0-15 years live with a parent who suffers from mental illness. Bipolar disorder is a disease that affects approximately one to two percent of the global population. Studies have shown that children of parents who suffers from bipolar disorder is adversely affected by growing up with their ill parent. The aim of this literature review is to describe children´s experiences of growing up with a parent who suffers from bipolar disorder. A literature review with both quantitative and qualitative scientific articles was used. Four themes emerged during the analyze. Increased responsibility implies that the children had to take on a parenting and caring role for their ill parent. The second theme exclusion, means that children feel that they are not getting the information they need to manage their situation, and they experience ignorance from the environment. The third theme emotional effects and consequences illustrates children´s negative emotions during their childhood and the consequences they lead to in adulthood. The final theme coping strategies, highlights the fact that children had to develop strategies to deal with the chaotic situation they live in. Family care and family interventions is proven helpful for the children in managing their situation. Healthcare personnel need to pay attention to the patients children and give them more information about bipolar disorder.