Hiding a layoff from the family, bad idea? - what worked for you?

I have been leaving the house at the same time each day so my kids do not notice. This is my first time dealing with any of this. Bills are coming up and I cannot keep this quiet. Did it get easier afterwards?

Keep everything in writing and save the confirmation numbers. It saved me later.

Do not wait until a bill surprises them. The longer it goes, the harder it gets.