SHAVING GRACE Federline, Spears

Is Kevin Federline's recent streak of good behavior (fewer-than-average tabloid mentions this week) a sign that he's maturing? Or is he simply angling to ensure that he maintains custody of the two kids he has with ex-wife Britney Spears, and thus access to child support? With Spears not exactly gold-star parent material of late, Grandma Lynne has essentially taken over as materfamilias, with Kevin offering a helping hand.

Though Lynne has reportedly not been very warm to Kevin over the years, a cousin of Britney's tells Radar that K-Fed's making a concerted effort to get on her graces: "She's like any grandmother. If he's showing his first concern is those grandbabies, he's gonna open doors to Lynne and (Spears's sister) Jamie. As long as he's putting those babies first, yes, he'll have their ear." And, presumably, Brit's wallet.

Photo: Splash News & Picture Agency