Commentary on Pediatric aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic: a special issue of Children’s Health Care

ABSTRACT This special issue includes a commentary and four papers that highlight unique ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected aspects of children’s health and psychological well-being. The empirical studies and narrative review article within this issue contain the following themes: the potential positive effects of the pandemic on children’s health; the role and importance of parent distress within the context of pediatric health; the need for greater exploration of health disparities, including the experiences of diverse/vulnerable youth during a pandemic; and the necessity for flexibility in clinical care implementation. Within each area, the co-guest editors emphasize directions for future research.