As the child of an alcoholic father and a raging codependent mother I would have appreciated it if some adult had the guts to just call it what it was "alcoholism" and to let me know
I didn't cause it.
I can't control it.
I can't cure it.
And to have given me a brochure (or I guess nowadays the website!) for AlAteen/Alanon.
Now, there were certain nosy annoying neighbors who if they had said anythng about my Dad I would have punched them in the nose!
But if you have a genuine connection to these kids then I would just let them know that you see what's going on and if they ever want to talk about it you are there....if you're seriously wiling to "be there" that is!
Kids of alcoholics are used to being let down and lied to by adults and people that "love" them...so just be ready to back up whatever help you offer...
I can't imaagine how different my life would have been if I had disovered AlAteen way back then in the dark scary deeply confused days of my youth!!
peace,
b