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

My spouse does not know yet that I was let go as an administrative assistant. 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?

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

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.