Socialite Paris Hilton has leaped to the defence of Britney Spears' parenting ability - insisting she is a great mother.

Speaking to U.S. newsman Larry King on Wednesday in her first interview since being released from jail on Tuesday, Hilton insists her pop pal is "a good mom" but finds it hard to deal with all the media attention.

She says, "She's a sweet girl. She's a good mom. She loves her children.

"I've seen her with her kids. She loves her kids. And I think its hard for anyone when you're in the spotlight so much. Its very overwhelming at such, like, a young age."

Spears' parenting has been under scrutiny since she was seen driving with her then 19-month-old child Sean Preston on her lap last year (07). She has another son Jayden James.