Is it selfish to just want my child's birthday for just the three of us?

You're not being selfish, who put such an idea in your head. Selfish would be forcing an unwanted party on a little girl who'd much rather spend a wonderful lovely day with Mum and Dad's attention all to herself. It's her day and frankly most 5 year olds would prefer what you have planned. I work with Kids this age, they can spend time with friends any time, but time with Mum and Dad is special.

Enjoy what you have planned together..

I wouldn't call you selfish because some people want to have a quiet birthday party. But she'll make new friends as she matures and she'll want to celebrate with her circle of friends. Do what you are doing now and next year, when her next birthday comes, let her invite some friends and set up a party she'll keep a memory of.

I don't think that's selfish at all.

I'm a fourteen year old girl, and I know I'd rather spend time with my friends on my birthday than with my mom, but when I was five, I would have preferred been with my mom.

Enjoy the time with your daughter while she wants to spend it with you :).

Do what you want. Last summer I planned a birthday party for the purpose of meeting my new neighbors, but it's cool if you would rather not. I live on a military base, so it's easy and safe to just tape invitations to doors.

Did someone tell you that it was selfish? I guess someone did, otherwise you wouldn't be asking this.

the "selfish" label is being used too much these days, usually by jealous people who can't stand when others live they lives the way they want--and whose lives don't suck like theirs. If she wants to spend her birthday with her parents, why on earth would you try to do it another way??

I can completely understand not wanting to be around bratty little girls...

We do both. My daughter has a party with her friends, and then on another day, the 2 of us do something special.

If this is something that you three have done traditionally up until now and plan to keep doing until she is 18, then Id say no.

But if this is just a one time thing, Id say its selfish.

Some parents do both a private and family/friends parties for their children. Nothing wrong with that.

We do the same...on her birthday. Then we have a party for her - with her friends - another day...

I grew up not celebrating at all and not having my friends around on my birthday either and it really sucked.

No, she's five. Her birthday plans are up to you, how many friends does she really have at her age?