Garrett Gee, also known as “The Bucket List Family” creator on social media, recently shared a video on Instagram of him helping his 7-year-old son conquer his fears by throwing him off a cliff at Lake Powell. In the video, Garrett is seen encouraging his son before tossing him off the cliff, emphasizing safety and the importance of teaching his kids that they can overcome challenges. While some may not agree with his parenting style, Garrett explained his approach in a detailed caption accompanying the video. He clarified that each of his children is unique, and his parenting methods vary accordingly. Garrett stressed that safety remains his top priority, followed by teaching his kids that they are capable of facing difficult situations and, lastly, ensuring they have fun. Despite the mixed reactions from viewers, Garrett defended his decision and highlighted the positive outcome of his son facing his fears in a controlled and safe environment.
I threw him. He willingly agreed to be thrown, but it was still a scary experience for both of us. I had to ensure he didn’t cling onto me, avoid hitting the cliffs, and land safely in the water. It’s a bit challenging, but I see it as part of being a dad ;).
One user expressed concern, saying, “The scream says it all. He’s not ready. I hate this for him.” Another user praised the trust built over time, commenting, “He chose to be thrown and they have built that trust all his life ♥️.” A third user commended their parenting confidence, stating, “Love that you all are confident enough in your parenting to show this!” And a fourth user shared a similar experience, “My father did the same to me 😂 I loved it and remember it until now! 🔥.”
Cliff jumping is just one of the many extreme activities the Gee family has introduced to their children and shared on social media since creating The Bucket List Family almost 10 years ago in August 2015. Other adventures include surfing with sharks and interacting with an octopus.
The Gees, self-described as “5 family travel journalists,” sold their possessions a decade ago to embark on a global journey together. They gained a substantial following through their Instagram and YouTube channel, documenting their travels.
The family gained attention in 2015 when Snapchat acquired Garrett’s mobile scanning app for $54 million. Following this success, they sold everything in Utah to travel the world.
After visiting 65 countries in three years, the Gees settled in Hawaii in July 2018. They continue to share their adventures on social media and contribute to National Geographic through their writing and photography.
