34 weeks pg?
Answer:
It sounds like the child might be jealous of the impending birth and is acting out that aggression on other kids. Is she getting enough attention at home, or is everything focused on the new baby? She needs to know that while there will be a new baby, she'll still be loved and attended.
I would recommend counselling for her. Normally I'd say it'll work itself out, but if she's putting her hands on other people in anger, she needs to know RIGHT NOW that that is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
My older niece was around 3 years old when her sister was born. She acted out similarly. I can't say she got violent with other kids, but she got really testy. She would kick her mom or try to tap her pregnant tummy really hard or absolutely shriek and want attention. Be patient with your step-daughter. Get your husband to help also. Hold her, hug her, kiss her, talk to her when she is receptive about what is acceptable behaviour and what isn't. Make her look like a good girl, an angel who should help out and be nice and take care of younger children, rather than acting out. If she ever has a problem with another kid, tell her she should come to you or her daddy and tell them about it. Also, encourage her to think that your soon to arrive baby is her own brother and how lovely it would be to hold and to protect him and love him. Bond with her further. Give it all you got to get her back on track and make her feel very loved. She is probably thinking in her little mind that she is going to take the back seat once the new baby arrives. She is showing it out on younger children. She is just lacking attention (understandably with you being busy and having to rest). Do fun things with her, spend more time with her. And make sure your husband does too, even after the baby arrives. Include her in everything you do. It's easily said than done. But please do try. She just wants you! :-)
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