An influencer father defends his parenting skills after surprising his followers by tossing his young son off a cliff to help him overcome fears. Garrett Gee, part of the Bucket List Family, was captured in a viral Instagram video assisting his seven-year-old son, Calihan, in facing his fears by throwing him off a cliff in Lake Powell, Colorado. The footage, shared on the family’s account with over three million followers, depicts the father and son standing on a rocky outcrop.
Acknowledging that some viewers may disapprove of his parenting approach, Gee proceeded to launch the screaming child over the edge. He now emphasizes the importance for critics to see more of his content to grasp the full context, explaining that long-term followers understand the careful and considerate nature of their parenting.
Despite initial concerns raised by the video, which shows Calihan screaming before splashing into the water, Gee points out that the child emerged with a smile, cheered on by onlookers. Following his son into the water, Gee posted a disclaimer stating that the action was not parental advice and not something he recommends others try. He also clarified that this method was not used with their other two children.
Reflecting on the feedback received, Gee expressed a mix of emotions, noting that some individuals may have missed out on the encouragement to step out of their comfort zones during childhood. He stresses that while this approach may not suit all children, he and his wife are confident in their parenting style and intentions, unaffected by online criticism.
The video sparked diverse reactions from social media users, with some expressing discomfort and questioning the child’s readiness for the leap, while others praised Gee’s bold parenting style. Gee acknowledges the varied responses but remains resolute in his belief in his parenting approach and the resilience required to navigate online feedback.