Lessons for children of friends/acquaintances Options

[Impressionist]

I've just dipped my toe back into the waters of instrumental teaching after many years of doing other things. I have around a dozen students, most of whom attend regularly, pay up on time and are keen.

But... I have a couple of children I've taken on as I know the parents and, to be honest, they're a pain in the backside. They frequently cancel at the last minute (or don't turn up at all), want to rearrange time slots each term depending on the other activities the kids do, pay late and seem to regard my teaching as a "hobby" rather than a job.

Does anyone else teach anyone with whom you have a personal connection or do you keep business and personal life separate? I'd always thought that you'd treat those you're friendly with the same respect you'd give anyone else but it doesn't seem to be the case here.