What are the dad essentials, those things that every dad needs to be successful at Fatherhood the job? Physical things like baby wipes are nice and so is a metric ton of patience, but we wanted to know what the dads (and moms) of our Facebook community think are the essentials of dad! Here’s a sampling of what you told us:

Jessie Hamilton: Patience- understanding the steps and trials of child development. Answer questions thoroughly, no matter how many questions, not with “because I said so”.

Maggie Blackburn: For my dad it was a pocket knife, white socks that went halfway up his shins, and a comb. He never left the house without those 3 things. Man do I miss him.

Graeme Young: Baby wipes, the ability to function on no sleep and be able to accept mummy is #1.

Chris Fonkert Sr.: Bourbon, a strong stomach, and the ability to just let go and be silly and fun with your kids.

Aris Kolehmainen: The strength to hold up to sometimes having to be seen as the ‘bad guy’ to keep your child safe and out of trouble.

Lorne Campbell: A sense of humor…unlimited “dad jokes”…and the ability to say, “Please to meet you ‘Hungry’, I’m Dad!” Grinning for every kid.

Aaron Mink: A toy in their pocket, their hand in yours, and love in your heart.

Johannes Lee Nielsen: At least one kid. A huge load of patience. An even bigger load of love.

Rene Ramirez: If it’s a child under 2 and you’re a single father then baby wipes, diapers and a lot a patience.

Joe McKay: Quick reflexes, a pocket knife, and an extensive library of dad jokes!

Troy-Skubz Schemmell: A safe room, pizza and duct tape.

Ronnie Rodriquez: COOKIES, QUICK REFLEXES AND DISTANCE FROM FLYING OBJECTS!

Curtis Dumal: New Balance sneakers, cargo shorts, and dad jokes.

What are your dad essentials? Tell us on Facebook!

Flickr photo by Yancy9, used under Creative Commons license.