Can I be controversial here for a minute? This should probably be read in conjunction with my earlier post....

When does a girlfriend/boyfriend/de facto of an ex become the "step parent" to your child? Maybe my attitude is colored by my own experiences but I don't think someone automatically becomes a step parent by virtue of their relationship with the ex.

It takes years to build up a relationship with a child. It is a title that is earned after a significant period of time in my opinion.

In Bubno3's case I know her ex and his GF have been together less than a year. Is that long enough? I would argue not.