oh I'm sorry to read your thread. please post on and get some good advice from many who read here.
On the hiding it from the kids - one tip i have is to fill your day with the kids - they will remember time spent, scour the place for free stuff and days out, the park picnic, library, walk on the prom whatever that costs nothing.
Also contact the Vincent de Paul if you feel Christmas may be cancelled or heating bill may not be paid. But just because you are broke does not mean you should endanger the health of yourselves. I know you probably never went into one as many of the nation but second hand shops have great bargains - as well as free cycle for second hand kids clothes - people don't have enough storage in our small houses and have to get rid more often. a family member recently was doing work on a house only to be told to dump perfectly good but outgrown toys and bikes that were stored in the garage - so it does happen and if you post what you would like on FreeCycle there may be someone dying to free up space.
finally on the MABS website you will get more info on practical stuff like economical meals that stretch your groceries bill and buy meats that will last more than one day - bacon that can be chopped into carbonara on day 2 for example. Get unbranded nappies - i have used aldi, Boots and Tesco and they are grand.
thats all i can think of right now. Please try not worry too much about what you can't change because it will get you down mentally. do what you can to get back to a job and in the meantime enjoy the time with your family.