About your response to Sunny on how to acknowledge to your W that she might be overwhelmed---I don't think you should just go up to her and say, "I know you are overwhelmed." You are making the assumption that she is (and she probably really is) but she may or may not want to admit that to you. Her response to you would probably defensive if you said that to her because she won't want to admit that openly to you.
But I think you can let her know that you are concerned about how overwhelmed she might be in other ways. What are some of her big stressors that you could help her take care of? Getting kids to appts. and activities? Taking care of dinner?- I am sure with 4 kids, that is an ordeal each night! Does she get to have much time to herself? I am sure you already help in whatever ways you can, but if you can think of other ways you can help lighten her load, she would notice and appreciate it. And you don't have to say, "I'm doing this because you seem to have a lot on your plate." Don't talk, just do it.
