Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea?, HR coordinator here

I have been leaving the house at the same time each day so my kids do not notice. I am in San Diego, in case local advice matters. 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.

Shame is common after a layoff even when it is not your fault. Saying it out loud to one person first helped me.