That smile says it all!
"I'm in a real good place," says Britney Spears, whose personal and professional futures once seemed uncertain. In fact, the 33-year-old singer says in People's Apr. 6 issue, "I'm the happiest I've ever been."
Posing with sons Sean Preston Federline, 9, and Jayden James Federline, 8, at their home on March 11, Spears says the family's calendar is full of play dates, soccer games and gymnastics lessons. Schoolwork comes first, however. "Homework is a priority," says Spears, noting that it can last three hours a night. "We have a reward system that helps motivate them: if they get so many As, they get one toy a month."
Because her elder son will learn pre-algebra in fifth grade next year, Spears says, "I'm taking classes so I know how to do it!"
The Federline brothers also help out around the house by doing chores, which include washing off their plates after meals, taking out the trash and looking after the family's three dogs. Do they get rewarded? "Preston just asked for a high allowance–like $10 a week or $20 a week–but we'll see!" the singer says.
It's not surprising that her firstborn son with ex-husband Kevin Federline asked to be compensated for his efforts. "Preston is very opinionated, very expressive, and if he doesn't like something, he's going to tell you. But he has a huge heart, he's a good kid and he has manners," the "Piece of Me" singer gushes.
Her younger son, she adds, "is sweet, very soft-spoken, kinda funny. He's adorable—a momma's boy."
Spears' boyfriend, producer Charlie Ebersol, 32, is a hit with the boys. "They relate to him really well and they have fun together," she tells the magazine. "He's refreshing to be around and really light-hearted."
Will Spears walk down the aisle a third time? After a brief marriage to Jason Alexander and an engagement to Jason Trawick, she says, "I would love to. I believe in the fairy tale...Love is a hard one. I don't really understand love as far as relationships. With my kids it's just unconditional, and that's hard to find. It takes two people just loving each other a lot. Unfortunately I haven't been given that in a really long time. I'm not really the person to ask what it takes to get married, but personally for me, it's about loving each other and communicating right and being respectful and more honest."
That being said, Spears tells People, "My kids come first in my life—bottom line."
Between her happy home life and her new single "Pretty Girls" with Iggy Azalea dropping May 5, she adds, "I'm blessed."
Did she ever think she would be this happy? "No, never," she says. "Not in my wildest dreams."
For more from on Spears' family life, pick up the Apr. 6 issue of People, on newsstands Friday.