I'd explain that you need some alone time and take yourself off for a walk or for some time alone in your bedroom. Are they at the age where you can explain why you need to be alone e.g sensory issues, need for time alone etc.
Don't think kids are able to understand this in a way that they would not get really worried that you are ill. I mean, they want to be really nice and they do something that they believe (or in the case of the cup of tea) have been told everybody will appreciate. Maybe you can wish for something that keeps them busy for a while on their own but still feel like they have done something nice for you. Like painting a picture, a surprise picture that you only get to see when it's ready - not that they come asking you which colour you prefer for each flower ;-)
Perhaps the thought that they want you to be happy, even if it isn't really working, is soothing you a bit too. You have lovely kids after all!
Don't think kids are able to understand this in a way that they would not get really worried that you are ill. I mean, they want to be really nice and they do something that they believe (or in the case of the cup of tea) have been told everybody will appreciate. Maybe you can wish for something that keeps them busy for a while on their own but still feel like they have done something nice for you. Like painting a picture, a surprise picture that you only get to see when it's ready - not that they come asking you which colour you prefer for each flower ;-)
Perhaps the thought that they want you to be happy, even if it isn't really working, is soothing you a bit too. You have lovely kids after all!
