Can A Silly British Game Show Make You A Better Parent?

If you're a fan of the British game show "Taskmaster," you probably already know how funny this show is. If not, the show is worth watching. It features celebrities competing in a series of creative and often hilarious challenges: eating as much watermelon as possible in one minute or collecting as many objects of a certain colour as possible in five minutes.

Since "Taskmaster" launched, it has spawned "Junior Taskmaster", a spin-off series just for kids. Like the original show, contestants face creative, physical, and mental tasks, which are often humorous and require lateral thinking. While this show makes for great family viewing, Christina Steinorth-Powell, LMFT, a licensed family psychotherapist, says it's actually a secret parenting tool in disguise.

"This show gives parents the opportunity to talk about all the different ways there are to solve problems in a light-hearted format," she explains. "These types of conversations can be called upon later when children need solutions to real-life problems, by a parent saying something as simple as,  'You're always so creative in solving problems when we watch JT. How would you tell the kids on the show to fix this problem?'"

To bring some lessons from "Junior Taskmaster" to your daily life, we asked experts to share their favourite takeaways from the show. We also gathered insights into the developmental benefits of task-based play and tips on how to create fun challenges at home.

What is Junior Taskmaster?

"Junior Taskmaster" is an offshoot of the "Taskmaster" series, designed especially for kids. Like the original, the show brings together young contestants who take on a variety of creative challenges.

Viviana McGovern, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explains that the main idea behind "Junior Taskmaster" is to adapt the fun and playful format of the original show for a younger audience. "Each episode includes a series of strange, silly, or imaginative tasks where kids are asked to complete a challenge," she says. "However, the rules are intentionally loose or unexpected."

Like "Taskmaster," this series also features the familiar roles of the Taskmaster and their assistant. "The Taskmaster is the one who sets the challenges and evaluates how each kid handled them, usually with some humor and a lot of personality," McGovern explains. "The Assistant helps facilitate the tasks and often provides guidance or context. From a parenting standpoint, I think they’re great models of how adults can guide structure while still being playful and encouraging."

The appeal of Junior Taskmaster for young viewers

Halima Goodwin, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, believes "Junior Taskmaster's" focus on fun rather than fierce competition is what makes it popular with younger viewers.

"The show creates a playful competition where there’s no real pressure to win or lose," Goodwin says. "Instead of punishing mistakes, the show celebrates them, which encourages creative thinking as a result."

Goodwin also notes that the positive and relaxed atmosphere of "Junior Taskmaster" appeals to younger viewers.

“Kids feel free to try new things without fear of judgment," she explains. "Every idea is appreciated, and mistakes are seen as funny and endearing, which can help children build resilience. Plus, the tasks vary. Some are physical, some mental, some artistic, so every contestant has a chance to shine.”

Christina Steinorth-Powell, LMFT, a licensed psychotherapist, agrees, noting that the show inspires kids to use their imaginations.

"The best part of this program is that it encourages kids to think out of the box, which is something we do very little of anymore," she explains. "It’s a wonderful way to bring back creative problem-solving and self-made fun, but in a way that feels fresh and modern."

Developmental benefits of task-based play

Dr. Cody Commander, PsyD, CMPC, HSP, a licensed clinical psychologist, says that "Junior Taskmaster's" format mirrors real-life learning environments where there are no step-by-step instructions.

"Many of the tasks require children to engage in problem-solving and critical thinking, pushing them to evaluate the resources available, generate creative solutions, and adapt their strategy when things don’t go as planned," he explains. "Because the best’ solution is rarely obvious, children are invited to think in non-linear ways, which promotes creativity and innovation, both of which are valuable skills."

When tasks on the show require teamwork, Commander says that children must practice communication, collaboration, and negotiation. "These moments build social awareness as participants learn to balance their own ideas with the contributions of others, manage conflict, and work toward a shared goal," he adds.

Finally, the format of the show naturally highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability. "Children experience both success and failure in real-time, offering them a chance to practice managing frustration, adjusting their strategies, and continuing to engage with the task despite setbacks," Commander states. "These emotional regulation skills are essential for lifelong learning and mental well-being."

Tips for hosting a family taskmaster session

To host a family "Junior Taskmaster" session at home,  Elizabeth Fraley, an early childhood education expert, suggests parents thoughtfully consider the unique personalities and strengths of their children.

"For example, if the children are athletically inclined, perhaps you add some tasks requiring more physical strength," Fraley says. "Tasks can be divided into challenge tasks, physical tasks, longer/shorter timed tasks."

She also recommends considering whether the activities should be done alone or in pairs, depending on what feels best for your group's size, abilities, and comfort levels, as well as how much time you have. If you choose group tasks, Fraley suggests encouraging children to team up with friends they don't usually play with, which can make things feel a bit more refreshing and exciting.

When setting up rules and time limits for activities, Fraley suggests mixing shorter and longer tasks. "Tasks can be as short as 10 minutes and up to about 30 minutes," she explains. "The taskmaster is always right. Have good manners and clean up after yourself while taking care of yourself and others. It’s encouraged to be creative, but if you cheat, you get points deducted/disqualified."

Most importantly, Fraley reminds us that participation is more valuable than competition, especially for younger children.

"Although competition can drive excellence and determination, a focus on participation will always build individual confidence, spearhead valuable skills, and help the child enjoy the activity for its own sake," she says. "Additionally, if games and activities are focused on participation and enjoyment, children will want to experience fun activities like Taskmaster in the future."

Creating your own junior taskmaster tasks at home

McGovern says there are many ways that parents recreate "Junior Taskmaster" challenges at home. However, no matter what kind of task you create, she stresses the importance of emphasizing connection, not competition.

"Parents can set up low-stakes challenges using things they already have around the house, and either take turns being the 'Taskmaster' or let the kids lead," McGovern explains. "These kinds of tasks offer a great way to help kids practice executive functioning, collaboration, and expressive thinking."

In need of some instant task inspiration? McGovern recommends three ideas that are sure to get everyone laughing.

1. The Silent Sandwich Challenge

Task: Make a sandwich together without speaking or writing anything down. Materials: Bread, sandwich fixings, kitchen basics. Why it works: Encourages teamwork, nonverbal communication, and a good laugh when it all goes sideways.

2. Sock Tower Showdown

Task: Build the tallest freestanding tower using only socks and paper towel rolls. You have 3 minutes. Materials: Clean socks, empty paper towel rolls, timer. Why it works: Encourages creative thinking and frustration tolerance in a fun, no-pressure way.

3. Dramatic Reading Face-Off

Task: Select a random household object and give a dramatic one-minute speech about why it’s the most important object in the world. Materials: Anything from a spoon to a remote control. Why it works: Encourages imagination, confidence, and emotional expression.

Age appropriateness and screen time

Christina Steinorth-Powell, LFMT, a licensed psychotherapist, says that the official recommended age range of "Junior Taskmaster" is 9 to 11. However, she says that parents should exercise good judgment and determine if the show is appropriate for their child.

"Parents should pay attention to their children's interests and encourage viewing accordingly (just as they would any other program)," she says.

Steinworth-Powell also recommends co-watching "Junior Taskmaster" with your children. "Anytime a parent can turn screen time into a co-viewing activity, it should be considered a win," she explains. "Not only can parents better monitor what their kids are watching, but it also helps encourage casual conversation."

Bringing taskmaster fun into your family life

Jenn Brown, a certified teen and parent coach, believes that families can learn a lot from "Junior Taskmaster."

"At first glance, the show is all laughs—but under the surface, you’re watching high-level thinking in action," Brown says. "The kids are reacting to unexpected challenges in real-time, breaking down how to succeed, and adjusting as they go. That’s executive function, flexible thinking, emotional regulation, and collaboration at play—all wrapped in absurd, delightful tasks. The show keeps you entertained and lets you quietly cheer on real developmental growth."

Experts

• Jennifer Brown is a certified teen and parent coach.
• Christina Steinorth-Powell, LFMT, is a licensed psychotherapist.
• Elizabeth Fraley is an early childhood education expert.
• Dr. Cody Commander, PsyD, CMPC, HSP, is a licensed clinical psychologist.
• Viviana McGovern is a licensed marriage and family therapist.