Not wanting birthday party

[Everestisthebest]

So my DD who is about to turn 5 has never had a birthday party. We usually go out as a family, have cake at home, decorations etc. We thought this year would be the year that we would finally throw a proper party and when I asked her she said no. She said she just wants mommy daddy and her sister. She is quite shy and gets overwhelmed in busy environments but I don't know If I'm making a mistake not having the party for her as I think she would enjoy it. I always had big birthday parties growing up so it feels like I'm letting her down by not having one for her.... what do others think?

Why would you be letting her down by not throwing her a party that she doesn’t want?

She. Doesn't. Want. A. Party. I was that child - in fact, I'm still that adult - and I think you need to respect your child's choice. We're all different - not everyone likes parties!

Interested to see responses here. My 5yo loves going to other people's parties but when asked each year they have chosen to just do something with close family. Meanwhile, my 3 year old is already telling me what they would like for their 4th birthday party (which isn't until the Autumn).
Just different personalities!
When my 5yo turns 6 I think I will offer the option of doing a small group activity with closest friends (cinema, soft play, trampoline park) as an alternative to a big class party.

My youngest didn't want a party at five either. By six he did, still mostly stuck to his best mate and looked fairly shy at the cake/candles etc but enjoyed it still, unlike his attention loving sister! They're all different, just go with it.

No I completely respect her choices and am very happy with whatever she wants. What I mean is I just wonder if she would actually enjoy it if she did have one....I don't want her to miss out on something she might actually enjoy. She enjoys other parties, anxious at first but joins in after a while and really enjoys herself

Does she actually enjoy other parties or is she pretending to? It might be worth asking her - does she genuinely enjoy other parties?
If she really does, why does she not want one.

You might need to dig for more info.