Beijing ( CNN ) -- A video of a toddler crying while running in the snow nearly naked has sparked a firestorm in China , but the boy 's father says the exercise was meant to strengthen his son . `` It 's tough for me , too , when he cried out for my comfort , '' father He Liesheng said . `` But I believe in 'no pain , no gain . ' Like an eagle , I push my child to the limit so he can learn how to fly . '' The father shot and posted the online video clip showing his 4-year-old son running down a snow-covered street , wearing only shoes and underpants . In the footage , the boy -- nicknamed Duoduo -- chases his father , sobs and begs to be picked up . `` Daddy , Daddy please hold me , '' Duoduo cries in the video , which was filmed while the family was in Flushing , New York on vacation . The father , who lives in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing , said he calls himself `` Eagle Dad '' for his tough parenting skills . He told CNN in a phone interview that the snow run is part of a training regimen of intensive physical and mental activities designed to strengthen his son , who was born premature and has suffered from health problems . `` I consulted my doctor friends to ensure what we do is scientific and that it wo n't harm my son 's body , '' he said . The video has been viewed by tens of thousands of people online . In China , it has reignited debate about how far parents should push their children to attain success . Chinese parenting techniques have come under scrutiny after author Amy Chua 's book , `` Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother , '' sparked heated discussion worldwide about the benefits of tough parenting . `` Some compare me to the 'Tiger Mom , ' but we are different , '' He told CNN . `` Unlike her , I always respect my son 's will . '' He said he plans to publish a book on his `` eagle-style '' training soon . But his parenting method might have trouble finding followers . On Weibo , China 's version of Twitter , many users said the approach was tantamount to child abuse . `` I ca n't agree with this educational style , '' a user going by the name of Dangpoluobaoyushangfengweibao posted . `` It 's so cruel . '' Others suggested government officials should step in . `` Why do n't we have a law against this abnormal behavior ? '' a user going by the name of Xinhongbaobei wrote . `` Before long , there will be all sorts of lion dads and snake moms who feel justified abusing their children . '' The boy 's father told CNN he does n't care about the criticism . `` I 've always felt Chinese parents spoil their only child too much , '' he said . `` We do n't expose them to nature enough and they get weaker and less competitive compared to foreign children . '' In the video , both parents can be heard off camera instructing Duoduo to lie down in the snow . He said he and his wife always ensure their son is happy , and that Duoduo 's health has improved because of his unique training regimen . `` My wife strongly opposed my idea in the beginning , but I kept persuading her about the benefits of my method , '' He said . `` She told me she 's beyond caring now . '' CNN 's Shao Tian contributed to this report .
The video shows a toddler running outside , wearing only shoes and underpants . `` Daddy , Daddy , please hold me , '' the 4-year-old cries . '" I'm not going to let you hurt my baby! Many in China say the approach is tantamount to child abuse .