Final answer:
The permissive parenting style as described by Diana Baumrind is characterized by low demands, lenient discipline, and acting more as a friend than a parent, which can lead to higher self-esteem and better social skills but also to a lack of self-discipline and associated risky behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diana Baumrind described the permissive parenting style as one where parents are very nurturing and loving but make few demands and rarely use punishment. In this style, parents often take on the role of a friend more than a parent, allowing the child considerable freedom, including in situations like setting their own bedtime whether on vacation or not. While there are some positive outcomes associated with this style, such as higher self-esteem and better social skills, it is often criticized for leading to a lack of self-discipline in children and is negatively associated with academic performance.
Compared to the other styles such as authoritative, authoritarian, and uninvolved, permissive parenting offers a much more relaxed atmosphere but with potential risks. Risky behaviors such as alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior, and disruptive behaviors have been linked to this parenting style, though not every child will necessarily exhibit these issues.