Parenting or Pushing It? Influencer Dad Throws Kid Off Cliff to Confront Fears [Watch]

A Father’s Bold Lesson Sparks Online Debate

A father has recently ignited a firestorm on social media with his unconventional approach to parenting. Garrett Gee, the man behind the popular family blog The Bucket List Family, has been the subject of intense discussion after sharing a video of him tossing his 7-year-old son off a cliff during a family vacation. The clip, which was posted on Instagram, shows the young boy hesitating before taking the plunge into the ocean.

In the video, Cali, Gee’s youngest son, appears reluctant to jump from the rocky ledge. His father then steps in, picking him up and throwing him into the water. While some viewers may find the scene alarming, Gee insists that safety was his primary concern throughout the entire process.

“This is NOT parental advice. This is NOT something I advise you try,” he wrote in the caption of the post. He emphasized that every child is different, and the way parents discipline and teach their children can vary greatly. According to Gee, his son had expressed a desire to jump from the ledge but was held back by fear.

Gee explained that the main risk in this situation would have been if Cali hesitated and didn’t jump far enough, potentially falling down the side of the cliff. To ensure his son’s safety, he decided to throw him. “So to be extra safe… I threw him,” he wrote.

As a father of three children with his wife Jess, Gee framed the moment as a significant milestone for his son. He compared it to the idea of a baby eagle needing to leave the nest. “Eventually a baby eagle needs to leave the nest… or be tossed out of the nest and learn HE CAN FLY!” he wrote.

Public Reaction: A Mixed Response

The video quickly sparked a wide range of reactions online. Some followers praised Gee for his unorthodox method, calling it empowering and a bold way to teach his son about courage. One fan jokingly referred to him as “Dad of the year,” while another commented, “This isn’t brave — this is terrifying.”

Despite the mixed opinions, Gee remained firm in his belief that the lesson was valuable. “You can do hard things,” he added. “Have fun. Be safe out there!”

Whether people agree with his parenting style or not, the incident has led to an important conversation about the balance between encouragement and risk. It raises questions about how far parents should go to push their children out of their comfort zones and what constitutes a safe learning experience.

Key Takeaways from the Incident

• Parenting Styles Vary: Every parent has their own approach to teaching and disciplining their children.
• Safety First: Gee claims he prioritized his son’s safety during the entire experience.
• Encouragement vs. Risk: The incident highlights the ongoing debate about how much risk is acceptable when teaching children life lessons.
• Public Opinion Divides: People have strong feelings about whether this method is effective or dangerous.

Ultimately, the story of Cali’s big leap has become more than just a viral video. It has opened the door for a broader discussion about the role of parents in shaping their children’s confidence and independence. Whether one sees it as a bold move or a reckless act, it’s clear that the conversation around parenting styles will continue to evolve.