How many more crazy parent stories will surface until we run out of fierce animal names? A Nanjing man calling himself “eagle dad” created a firestorm when he uploaded a video of his 4-year-old son running in his underwear in a -13°C snow storm. The incident happened while the family was vacationing in New York City during the Spring Festival holidays.
The 44-year-old He Liesheng was quoted as saying: “When the old eagle teaches its young, it takes the young eagles to the cliff side, beats them and pushes them to teach them to use their wings, and I believe I am helping my son in this way – to force him to challenge limitations and exceed his own expectations.”
He added that the little boy, He Yide, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after being born premature. To challenge him, He Liesheng devised a training schedule that included swimming, mountain hiking, and jogging. The naked run, he says, represents his good wishes for the coming year.
He Liesheng’s actions garnered support from fellow crazy parent Xiao Baiyou – also known as wolf dad. “I support ‘eagle father’ because there should be different methods for early education, and he has chosen one fit for his son,” he said.
