Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea? (update)

I was laid off 26 weeks ago and have not told my family because I do not want them to worry. There are 11 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I want a plan before I speak. How did you handle it?

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

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.