We have had an easel since our daughter was born (...a little early planning there) but she never used it. I just think it wasn't in a good place to be used. I recently moved it downstairs to the sunroom and she uses it all the time now! She uses it for painting (on the chalkboard side) and using markers on the dry erase side. I love having it on a hard floor so I don't have to worry about messes.