Can Activity cause a meniscus tear to tear more?

I have a meniscus tear that I will be most likely having surgery on very soon. I have been trying to stay off my hurt knee as much as possible, but as a mother to young children it is nearly impossible. Am I hurting my knee more by carrying my toddler? Cleaning my house?? All the stuff a mother HAS to do??? Also what is the recovery like from the surgery??? Will I need pain meds to be comfortable or will Advil do the trick??