At What Age can Children be Left Alone at Home?

My brother, who is 13, is planning to stay home by himself for a day on school vacation. My parents think it is OK, however my grandmother says it is against the law. He would be staying home for about 8 hours by himself. Is my grandmother right? -- (Posted by ChaseMDuffin on the Forum) According to the National Child Care Information Center (www.nccic.org), Only Maryland and Illinois have laws regulating the age at which a child may me left alone at home. In Massachusetts, the issue is left to the discretion of the caregiver, in this case, your parents. Much as I hate to contradict your grandmother, it would be legal, and I don't think it would be unusual for a 13 year old to spend the day at home alone. However, your grandma knows a lot more about your brother than I do. Her answer to you may have been her way of telling you and your brother that he is not ready for such responsibility.
 
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