How Independent Is Too Independent? When Letting Kids Be Kids Can Attract CPS Attention in Michigan

This is a question that comes up over and over again for Michigan moms and dads—and for us as family law attorneys. Unfortunately, there’s no single, clear answer. Whether Child Protective Services (CPS), the police, or even your neighbors think you’re “neglecting” your children often depends more on personal opinion than on hard-and-fast rules. But there are some situations where letting your kids be independent can land you in hot water. Let’s look at a couple of the most common examples:

Leaving Kids Alone at Home

Michigan’s Child Protection Law doesn’t set a minimum legal age for when a child can be left home alone. Still, CPS and law enforcement use general guidelines when deciding whether a situation might be considered neglect. For instance, it’s widely accepted that kids under 7 should never be left by themselves, while an 11- or 12-year-old may be left alone for up to three hours, and a mature 16-year-old could stay home overnight.

Every decision about your child’s independence carries some risk. Leaving a child alone might mean they’re safe—or it might mean they get hurt, scared, or even reported by a neighbor who assumes the worst. There’s no way to know for sure, so you have to weigh the risks, consider your child’s maturity, and make the best decision you can.

Letting Kids Explore on Their Own

Letting children walk to the store, ride their bikes around the neighborhood, or use public transportation is a big step—and for many parents, a scary one. When your child is out of sight, you can’t protect them or intervene if something goes wrong. But at some point, gaining independence is a part of growing up.

Only you, as their parent, can truly assess when your child is mature enough to handle these freedoms. Consider your child’s age, maturity, the safety of your neighborhood, whether they’ll be with friends, and if they have a way to contact you in an emergency. Have you talked with them about how to handle tricky situations? Teaching independence is important—but so is making sure your child is actually ready for it.

You Want the Best for Your Kids—But CPS Might Not See It That Way

We know every parent wants to strike the right balance between keeping their kids safe and letting them grow. Our attorneys at The Kronzek Firm are parents, too—we understand the challenges and judgment calls that come with raising kids in today’s world. But sometimes, doing your best isn’t enough to keep CPS or others from getting involved.

If you find yourself facing accusations of neglect just for trying to let your kids grow up confident and independent, you don’t have to face it alone. Call us at 866-766-5245—we’re available 24/7 to protect your rights and help you keep your family together.

And don’t forget to check out Part 2 of this discussion, where we explore even more parenting choices that can sometimes be misunderstood by the state.