A Parenting Philosophy That Sparks Debate
Garrett Gee, a former tech founder turned adventure journalist, has recently found himself in the spotlight for a video that left many viewers both horrified and impressed. The clip, posted on his family’s Instagram account @thebucketlistfamily, showcases Gee with his 7-year-old son, Cali, on a large rock ledge overlooking Lake Powell, a reservoir located between Arizona and Utah.
Initially, Cali appeared hesitant about jumping into the water below. However, his father decided to take matters into his own hands, throwing him off the rock. In a lengthy caption, Gee explained, “To be extra safe, because he wanted to jump but was not feeling confident, I threw him.” He added, “Eventually, a baby eagle needs to leave the nest … or be tossed out of the nest.”
Gee emphasized that his parenting style is tailored to each child, noting that their approach to cliff jumping varies depending on the child’s personality. He mentioned that they took Cali to a cliff height they knew would be safe. According to Gee, the main risk was if Cali hesitated, didn’t jump far enough, and fell down the cliffside.
The older two children followed Cali’s lead and jumped off the taller section of the boulder shortly after. Gee’s philosophy centers around safety, bravery, and exploration, as he and his wife travel the world with their children to provide these experiences.
While some viewers praised Gee and his wife for their approach, others criticized them for what they see as the exploitation of their children on social media. One user wrote, “Trauma therapy up ahead for these kids,” while another commented, “Absolutely unacceptable, man. Not cool at all. As you said, every child needs different treatment, and you can’t possibly predict how he feels about this subconsciously about this act. I sincerely hope it will not grow esoterically as a projection of paternal betrayal.”
On the other hand, some viewers believed the backlash was exaggerated. They argued that as long as the children are safe and happy, there is no harm done. One user advised, “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.” Another added, “This can be such a fun activity!! But safety, safety, safety first!!”
A local who frequently visits Lake Powell noted, “People need to understand that what they jumped off is a small cliff. Probably not even 10 feet high. Lake Powell does not encourage ‘cliff jumping’ over a certain height.”
Despite the online controversy, Cali seemed unfazed by the stunt. His exposure to activities like surfing, hot air balloon expeditions, and hiking has likely contributed to his adventurous spirit.
Children in influencer families often face challenges balancing their parents’ social media work with their own interests, hobbies, and education. In some cases, children have been pulled out of school to focus on content creation. However, Gee and his wife have taken a different approach. As their children have grown older, they have decided to settle in Hawaii, where their kids attend public school. The family also prioritizes serious travel during school breaks.
This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of modern parenting, especially when it comes to balancing adventure with safety and the impact of social media on children’s lives.
