Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea? - any advice?

I have been leaving the house at the same time each day so my kids do not notice. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. Bills are coming up and I cannot keep this quiet. Did it get easier afterwards?

I told my partner the same evening with a simple plan: what happened, what I was doing and what I needed. It was a relief.

Kids often pick up more than you think. A short, calm explanation helped mine feel secure.