Every parent hopes their child will be smart, or even gifted. However, most parents are not aware of what they are really wishing for when they think or say this. Smart kids can do very well in life, but they can be a completely different challenge when they are growing up. Anyone with smart children can tell you that being smart has its disadvantages at times, and while the child will be just fine, Mom and Dad are the ones that may get overly stressed, but with some adjustment, that does not have to be the norm.
Smart kids can learn and absorb information faster than other children. They are a few steps ahead because their brains work faster for some reason. This is something parents may notice at a young age, though all parents want to think they have smart kids. All children can learn and have a great life, but smarter children are going to excel earlier in life. These children are also usually a bit high strung when young, and are going to be a bit more active than other kids. In some cases, they can even have behavior problems.
Why is this? For smart kids that learn and go through things fast, boredom is often the culprit for behavior problems. These kids are not bad kids, nor do they really have behavior problems that need extra attention. They are just bored because they have already learned what is being presented and they need more to keep their minds busy. Without the extra stimulation, smart kids are going to find something else to do, and sometimes that something else is not going to be a good thing.
Smart kids, in general, are going to need a little more attention. This is pretty much the only way to really keep them out of trouble in the long run, at least until they are old enough to realize they need something to do and can find something constructive on their own. Keep plenty of games and crafts on hand that are going to challenge your smart kids to keep them occupied when they start to appear bored with what they are doing. Playing with other kids and finding new places to explore can keep them busy too. They don't need to learn all the time, they just need something new to do.
As your smart kids go through school, see if they test above average and can be accepted into special classes that are more challenging for them. These will be good for them and will keep them busy so they always have something new to learn. Some smart kids do well in these classes and others want to find something else to occupy their time. That is okay too. As they get near high school, they can learn to find their own pursuits, but parents should still keep their eyes open for signs of boredom so trouble can be stopped before it begins. Overall, raising smart children can be a joy as long as you can challenge them and keep them busy with the right activities.