Dr. Phil – Lynne Spears is a "Great Mother"

Dr. Phil is coming to the defense of Lynne Spears, the mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears.  With all of the negative attention and criticism, I think the situation deserves some fairness.  I don’t think I would go as far as Dr. Phil has, but it’s a matter of personal opinion and, unlike him, I cannot say that I know the Spears family.  Here’s what he had to say to People:

"We know the Spears family, particularly the parents.  An asset that Britney and Jamie Lynn both have is a great and dedicated mother."

McGraw admits that his friend is "troubled right now" but is "really looking for the positives in this." As her daughters live under the glare of public scrutiny and criticism, Lynne has "her feet squarely and solidly on the ground," he says.

"They’re a very strong, close-knit family," says Dr. Phil’s wife Robin, "They’re relying on each other.  I talked to Lynne yesterday and she said they’re turning to prayer, asked that I pray for them. That’s how they’re going to get through it."

Well, I can’t say much.  I think that these problems can happen in any family, especially those under a microscope.  Do I think their home life had something to do with what’s happening to Britney and Jamie?  Probably but I think it’s sad that the public is acting like none of these things happen in their own families or within their circle of friends.  Burning Lynne at the stake or hurling insults at Jamie Lynn isn’t going to solve anything.  Everyone makes mistakes.

I was a teen mother and I went on to graduate from high school a year early, graduated from junior college, got a Bachelor’s degree (with distinction) and am about to complete my graduate studies.  Having a child at a young age does not have to ruin your future.  It’s not something I would recommend but if it’s already happened, what’s there to say?  With motivation and self-confidence, Jamie Lynn can come out of this just fine. 

Besides, there are plenty of "adult" actresses who get pregnant and I wonder about their ability to parent (and I’m not talking about the ones with drunk driving convictions in their past).  What about Pamela Anderson?  She’s been divorced and married twice in the past year – no one is talking about how that must be affecting her kids.  It’s not a judgment but I’m just wondering where we draw the line.  Should we even try?