Jan 23, 2008, 11:30 GMT
Kevin Federline has been named Dad of the Year.
Kevin Federline - © J. Bailey / PR Photos
The ex-husband of Britney Spears - who has been granted full custody of sons Sean Preston, two, and 16-month-old Jayden James since the singer's meltdown - has been praised for stepping up his fathering skills by Details magazine, but his friends insist he always was a great father.
DJ Irie, a pal of Kevin's, said: "He is an all-round great dad.
"For most guys in Kevin's situation, home would be the ultimate bachelor pad. But for Kevin, he made it all about the kids. He's got toys everywhere. You can totally tell it's all about the kids at home."
Kevin also has a five-year-old daughter Kori and a three-year-old son Kaleb, from his relationship with Shar Jackson. Though he left Shar for Britney when she was pregnant with their second child, she still maintains he is a good father.
She said: "He's just happy that the boys are safe. That's his biggest thing, making sure the kids are happy."
Another friend of the aspiring rapper is enraged that Kevin is only now being recognised as a good father.
The insider said: "It makes me furious when people say, 'Oh great - he's taking responsibility.' He's always been a great father. He's been there in every way for all of his kids."
Kevin and Britney's lawyers are due in court today (23.01.08) for a custody hearing regarding Sean and Jayden.
Britney was stripped of her three supervised visits with her sons earlier this month after she held them hostage on January 3.
(C) BANG Media International
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