Mindy McCready says son keeps her going

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NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. country singer Mindy McCready says her 5-year-old son, Zander, has been her rock throughout her custody donnybrook with her parents.

In an interview with ABC's "20/20," McCready said the boy "saved my life."

"Every time I wanted to let go and give in, I remember what he did for me," McCready said. "He is my little angel."

People magazine said McCready's words carried some weight because she has attempted suicide in the past and lost custody of Zander due to substance abuse.

McCready and Zander were recently the subject of a manhunt after she allegedly took off with the boy during a visitation. He is now in foster care.

Speaking of visitations, McCready claimed in her "20/20" interview that her mom, Gayle Inge, believes herself to be a prophet from God and not exactly a good influence on young Zander.

"They see dead people in their home all the time – spirits, demons, ghosts," McCready explained. "They were encouraging my son to go around with them to churches and stand up on stage and, you know, scream gibberish."

McCready also contends Inge has spanked Zander with a wooden spoon hard enough to leave scars. Inge denies the allegation, People said.