A Gentle Feast Home About Podcast Store My Courses

#86: Mistakes, Tacos, and Creativity with Eliza Kinkz

Season #2

What if your next family taco night could help your kids process their mistakes, build confidence, and spark creativity? In this joyful and heartwarming episode, Julie Ross sits down with children’s author and illustrator Eliza Kinkz to talk about her delightful new picture book Miss Taco. Together, they explore how Eliza’s childhood, her journey as a storyteller, and her love for meaningful connection inspired a story that’s both hilarious and healing. Whether you’re a homeschool parent looking to make space for growth or just want a new tradition that brings your family together, this conversation is packed with goodness—and guac!

5 Key Takeaways:

  1. Miss Tacos Help Kids (and Adults) Process Mistakes Playfully
    Eliza shares how her childhood experience of holding in her feelings inspired the concept of Miss Taco—a taco you make to “eat” your mistake. It’s a powerful metaphor that transforms shame into connection and self-compassion through fun, storytelling, and food.

  2. Perfection Isn’t the Goal—Creativity Takes Messy, Brave Steps
    Eliza worked for two years on Miss Taco, revising the story repeatedly with her agent. She talks about the importance of letting go of “perfect” ideas, being open to feedback, and trusting the process—even when it means tossing out something you love.

  3. Make Mistakes a Family Practice, Not a Private Shame
    Families can build stronger bonds by sharing their own “miss tacos” at the dinner table. When kids hear adults admit their own goofs (like stealing someone’s Costco cart), it models vulnerability and growth without fear.

  4. You Can Stay Connected to Your Inner Child
    From thrifting playful outfits to rolling around on the floor with kids, Eliza shares how she keeps joy and wonder alive as an adult. Her advice to parents: skip with your kids, play with dollhouses, and let go of the idea that everything has to be productive.

  5. You Deserve Care, Too
    Eliza’s closing encouragement is simple but profound: “Pack yourself a snack.” As homeschool moms, it’s easy to forget to care for ourselves. But giving yourself the same compassion and nourishment you give your kids is not optional—it’s essential.

Connect with Our Guest:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/86 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

 

Connect with Us:

 

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.