Kathy Hilton claims she’s reached a year of sobriety – and that she’s done it for absolutely no other reason than to set a good example for her drunk driving offspring. Kathy’s friends are absolutely adamant that she doesn’t have a drinking problem. She just gave up booze completely for the heck of it.

Following a tough period of time for the Hilton family, mom Kathy recently celebrated a milestone: one year of sobriety. Because two of her four children have been arrested for drinking and driving, Kathy decided to give up alcohol altogether.

“She wanted to set a good example for her family,” says a pal of the 49-year-old, adding that although Kathy didn’t have a drinking problem, “she wanted to walk the walk.” The former actress had already given up her occasional cocktails when her 18-year-old son, Barron, was arrested on a DUI charge in February.

Now, with her brood back on track, Kathy is tackling another bad habit — smoking. “She doesn’t smoke in front of me!” Paris tells In Touch. After Barron was arrested, Kathy hired a family therapist to help them through the ordeal together.

[From In Touch]

I’d say that if that’s true, Hilton should cut back and show her kids responsible drinking, and the value of temperance. I don’t think a single one of Kathy Hilton’s spawn knows a thing about moderation. But quitting entirely sends the message that it’s all or nothing. And if I know anything about Paris Hilton, I’m guessing she’s going to choose all.

I myself am a near teetotaler for no reason other than it takes me massive, massive quantities of alcohol to get a buzz, but just a sip to get a hangover. Thus the cost is rarely worth the benefit. So I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with a non-alcoholic deciding to give up booze entirely. It’s not like you need a reason. But somehow the idea that the only way Kathy Hilton thought she could get her kids to not drink so much was to quit entirely – I just don’t buy it. I’m guessing someone saw her leave an AA meeting or something, and she worried she’d be exposed, so she’s trying to control the story. Or maybe Kathy Hilton is trying to teach values for the first time. A little late, but whatever.

Here’s Kathy Hilton with daughters Paris and Nicky at “The Good Life” Photo Exhibition of Photographers Murray Garrett and Slim Aarons in Hollywood on June 27th. Images thanks to PR Photos.

Paris and Nicky Hilton’s little bro, Barron, was sentenced today for his Feb. 12 DUI arrest. The teen faces a suspended license for a full year, as well as probation. Which is more than Mischa Barton got for driving without a license, DUI and possession of a narcotic.

Barron Hilton pleaded no contest to DUI charges Wednesday in a Malibu, California, courthouse.

His license was suspended for a year, and he was placed on three years’ probation. He must also attend a three-month alcohol program.

In addition, Hilton, 18, is required to visit a Los Angeles County morgue and attend a lecture given by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Celebtv.com reports.

The younger brother of Paris Hilton was arrested February 12 for having a blood alcohol level of .14 — nearly twice the legal limit — unlawful use of a license and driving without a license.

[From Us Weekly]

I’m glad that this kid is being held accountable for his actions. Hopefully he will take it more seriously than his older sister did the first time around and keep himself out of trouble. It seems like his parents were a lot less accommodating to Barron than they were with Paris after her arrest- it’s reported that when Barron was arrested, his parents let him wait it out a while in the holding cell before bailing him out- and that Paris outright refused to bail him out.

The Hilton family must be so proud. First there’s Paris, starring in sex tapes, sleeping with everything that moves, and flashing her lady bits for the world to see. Then there’s Nicky, relatively dull compared to Paris, but who still manages to do little but party it up. Though she’s had a few failed business ventures to add to her resume, like her Nicky O hotel in South Beach – she gave the pitch presentation using drawings and poster board, just like you did in fifth grade. Now we can add 18-year-old Baron Hilton to the mix – yes Rick and Kathy Hilton actually have four celebuspawns, the younger two being Barron and brother Conrad, 13. Barron has really lived up to the Hilton family lineage, getting his very first DUI last night – that’s right, he beat Paris by seven years! What else must his future have in store for him?

TMZ has learned 18-year-old Barron Hilton, Paris’ little brother, was arrested for DUI in Malibu at 8:30 AM this morning!

Cops tell TMZ he was driving a black Mercedes on Pacific Coast Highway with a passenger — not one of his sisters– when he was pulled over at a 76 gas station.

He’s currently in the process of being booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s station — the same place Mel Gibson was taken.

[From TMZ]

Congratulations Hilton parents. Your progeny are truly something to be proud of. Clearly you have taught them excellent values and morals, which is why they constantly provide you with so much light and joy, never once embarrassing the greater extended Hilton family. Many of the rest of the Hiltons are actually pretty upstanding people, and have donated vast quantities of their wealth to charity. Something tells me that the future doesn’t look quite so brightly philanthropic for this particular branch of the family tree.

Here’s Barron Hilton leaving Teddy’s bar with sister Paris on January 3rd. Images thanks to WENN.