When it comes to parenting, everyone has an opinion, but not everyone hurls their kid off a cliff for the internet to see. However, that’s exactly what one influencer dad did during a family trip to a lake near Arizona and Utah.
Garrett Gee, the self-dubbed “adventure journalist” and creator behind the ultra-popular @TheBucketListFamily. Garrett, who travels the world with his wife and kids in tow, recently raised more than a few eyebrows with a video he shared on Instagram that’s racked up plenty of views and a mountain of criticism for his parenting tactics during the Arizona vacation.
The now-viral clip shows Garrett and his 7-year-old son, Cali, standing on a rocky cliff edge high above Lake Powell, the breathtaking (and daunting) reservoir that stretches between Arizona and Utah. Cali looks a little unsure, and who could blame him? It’s a long way down. But before viewers can process what’s happening, Garrett literally throws his son off the ledge into the water below.
TikToker Takes Heat For Throwing Son Off Cliff Into Arizona Lake
“To be extra safe, because he wanted to jump but was not feeling confident, I threw him,” Garrett explained in the caption of the post. He didn’t stop there. “Eventually, a baby eagle needs to leave the nest … or be tossed out of the nest,” he added, as if turning this real-life parenting moment into an inspirational metaphor would soften the backlash.
Garrett attempted to justify the bold move by saying that cliff-jumping is actually part of how he teaches his kids bravery and adventure, with a heavy side of safety, of course. “We took our youngest Cali to a cliff height that we knew he would be safe,” he wrote. “Really, the biggest danger would be if he hesitated, didn’t jump far out, and fell down the cliffside.”
According to Garrett, all three of their kids are encouraged to explore the world in ways tailored to their individual personalities. And to be fair, Cali didn’t seem traumatized. After the leap of faith (or shove, depending on your point of view), his older siblings took the plunge willingly.
Still, many viewers weren’t convinced this was a “bravery lesson” and instead saw it as reckless and potentially traumatic.
The Internet is Divided
Some called the experience traumatic. Another even called out the parents for not taking proper safety precautions. “No life jacket is crazy,” the comment read.
However, not everyone was sharpening their pitchforks. Some fans stood by the family’s unconventional parenting, noting that cliff-jumping is a legit activity, as long as it’s done safely. “You guys know this already, but for others reading, please make sure you center safety with cliff jumping and teach your kids how before they just go out and do it,” one user wrote. “This can be such a fun activity!! But safety, safety, safety first!!”
And that might be the takeaway here. Raising kids in a social media spotlight while encouraging adventure is a tricky balance. One person’s “teaching moment” is another person’s trauma trigger. Is Garrett Gee just an adventurous dad giving his kids unforgettable memories? Or did he push the envelope too far on the Arizona trip?
Hunter Spears 
Kenna Raye 
