Dr. Phil says Spears' mom 'dedicated'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Television self-help guru Dr. Phil McGraw says U.S. pop diva Britney Spears and her sister Jamie Lynn are lucky to have a parent such as Lynne Spears.

Britney Spears' parenting skills have come under scrutiny during a highly publicized custody battle for her two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Sixteen-year-old Jamie said last week she is pregnant.

"An asset that Britney and Jamie Lynn both have is a great and dedicated mother," McGraw told People magazine.

Lynne Spears has "her feet squarely and solidly on the ground," he said.

McGraw said he and his wife, Robin, consider Lynne Spears a friend. While Spears was troubled by the events surrounding her daughters, she was "really looking for the positives" and has turned to prayer to "get through it," he said.