This isn't a thread about whether they are good places or not. I know they are a bit of a 'Marmite' issue among parents!
However, my SIL, whose children are now grown up, informed me that people shouldn't use them because they should be playing with their children instead. Basically, she was implying that only bad and lazy parents use them as a way of avoiding being with their children.
To me, they are an absolute godsend. I'm a single parent, widowed, and have no family living close by so I never, ever get a break from my DCs. Much as I love them dearly, a few hours at a soft play area provides a very welcome break for me. They are old enough now that I don't have to watch them constantly so I can relax with the paper and a cup of coffee. Of course they are not ignored. I check on them frequently, they come back to me periodically and a good time is had by all.
AIBU to resent being criticised for this, particularly by someone who had a husband to share childcare, had family on tap for extra help and has no idea how hard it is to raise children single-handedly?