(File photo)

Every parent hopes that his or her child will be successful. However, one father from southwestern China’s Sichuan province is leaving nothing up to chance. Instead, he's doing everything in his powers to make his 6-year-old son famous, even livestreaming the boy downing beer and walking on a thin wire.

The 34-year-old father, Zhang Yu, broadcast one of his son's unusual talents on May 25. The son, nicknamed Wangwang, was encouraged to drink beer at a barbecue restaurant, first from a bottle and then from a glass. Wangwang could be heard saying “tasty” in between gulps, while his family members generally urged him on.

6-year-old gulps down two bottles of beer (Screenshot)

The video, titled “6-year-old gulps down two bottles of beer,” soon went viral, with many netizens criticizing the dangerous effects of alcohol on the child’s health. Zhang, however, said he thought it was alright for his son to drink “just a little bit,” Chengdu Economic Daily reported.

As early as January, Zhang started a livestream show featuring Wangwang’s wire-walking skills. The boy, wearing a helmet and holding a long stick, walked on a wire strung up in the air at just over an average adult’s height. His father stood next to him in the video, arms reached out in a seemingly protective gesture.

According to Chengdu Economic Daily, Zhang’s training sessions with his son also include boxing, weight-lifting and rock-climbing. The duo uses simple facilities constructed by Zhang himself for all their activities.

Zhang said he wants to cultivate self-confidence and independence in his son through the training. He added that he has no plans to "advertise" through Wangwang or make the boy perform for profit; he simply wants to show Wangwang off via the livestream.

Zhang’s arguments were rejected by many of his viewers. Some pointed out the irony of Zhang seeking public exposure and fame while denying any intention to make money from his son’s new status as an online celebrity.

As for the safety concerns, Zhang said his son was actively interested in their training, and he carefully pays attention to his son’s safety and health.

“So long as he shows interest, I will play with him. If he does not want to do wire-walking one day but turns to soccer or basketball, I will be supportive all the same,” Zhang said.