(MONEY Magazine) – The Jordans have an aching sense of how quickly children grow up. "There's only so much time to mold their minds," says Paula, 38. So the two-career couple spend most of their earning power and free hours on their daughters Samantha, 9; Ryan, 6; and Sydney, 3. "We kid about paying more for their preschool than we paid for our college educations," quips Daryle. The two older girls now go to public school, but all three attend day care. Daryle, 41, is a Washington, D.C. attorney, and Paula works as a manager at a call center. Their joint income has enabled them to build a new house twice the size of their old one. The girls have their own play space in the finished basement; Mom and Dad have his-and-hers work spaces. The busy couple hope one day to set up a business of their own. "We want to pass something on to our children," Paula says. Adds Daryle: "We both feel strongly that we don't want them to have to worry. But at the same time, we don't want to make everything too easy. We expect them all to earn academic scholarships."

--J.C.